Zii Jia's Thomas Cup participation in doubt

Source: The Star

PETALING JAYA: Men's singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia could give the Thomas Cup from April 27-May 5 in Chengdu a miss to focus on his preparations for the Paris Olympics in July.

National coaching director Rexy Mainaky, who had a meeting with world No. 10 Zii Jia's coach Wong Tat Meng and sister and manager Lee Zii Yii at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara on Tuesday (April 2) said that the independent player has yet to make a decision on competing in the team meet.

"For now, Zii Jia has not confirmed if he will play in the Thomas Cup or not," said Rexy.

"The Olympics are quite close and he has many tournaments coming up. He and his team are concerned about his workload. Of course, the Thomas Cup is important for Zii Jia but the Olympics is a big event too.

"Nothing is finalised yet and we are looking at perhaps managing his matches in the team meet if he decides to compete," added Rexy.

If Zii Jia decides to sit out the team meet, it will be a big blow for Malaysia.

The other singles players, who could be selected in the team are world No. 18 Ng Tze Yong, world No. 37 Leong Jun Hao and youngsters Justin Hoh and Eogene Ewe.