Zii Jia looking to old friend again to revive his career

KUALA LUMPUR: Long-time ally Liew Daren was the only name Lee Zii Jia had in mind as replacement after Yeoh Kay Bin quit his position as the independent shuttler's coach.

Zii Jia said that Daren had always been around as a sparring partner or coach since he became an independent player in 2022.

So, the former All England champion didn't waste time appointing Daren as his coach, while Kay Bin concludes his role by guiding Zii Jia at the Malaysia Open, which begins at the Axiata Arena tomorrow.

Zii Jia said the close relationship and trust with Daren, who had assisted his former coaches, Indra Wijaya and Wong Tat Meng, were enough for him not to look for any other coaches.

"Since I became a professional, Darren was always there with my coaches, Indra, Tat Meng and Kay Bin as well. So, no other candidates as coaches... just him," said Zii Jia.

"As a senior, he still comes to help. So, definitely there is good relationship and chemistry between me and him.

"I still have the trust in him and he is also willing to accept this challenge — despite my current situation now which is a disaster, I would say.

"My ranking also dropped. So, indeed it's a big challenge for him to accept this. So I am also very thankful he could accept this (coaching role) moving forward."

Daren also worked as Zii Jia's coach after the shuttler parted ways with Indra at the end of 2022 and guided him until Tat Meng took over in June 2023.

Meanwhile, Zii Jia wants to give his best shot in his first-round match against India's world No. 32 Ayush Shetty at the Malaysia Open, which will be his first tournament since the China Masters in September.

"I want to perform well in this tournament to make it a good farewell for coach Kay Bin as well," added Zii Jia.

"It is a test for me (at the Malaysia Open) after not competing in such high-level tournaments for a long time."

Kay Bin is set to be unveiled as the BA of Malaysia's junior singles coach and is expected to begin his duties next month.

Zii Jia will be the only Malaysian singles player in action tomorrow while world No. 28 Leong Jun Hao will meet China's world No. 29 Wang Zheng Xing in his opening round on Wednesday.