Daren tenders resignation with Team LZJ

Liew Daren will no longer be Lee Zii Jia's assistant coach after the former national shuttler tendered his resignation with Team LZJ due to personal reasons.

"I leave with a heavy heart but also with wonderful memories as being with Team LZJ provided me with another meaningful chapter in my badminton life.

"This is definitely not the end, I have known badminton since I was young and perhaps this is the right time for a much needed recharge before the next adventure," Liew posted on his social media account.

Team LZJ, on their social media account, said while they are sad Liew is leaving, has left the door for him in the future.

The 2018 World Championships bronze medalist is one of the pioneers of Team LZJ, joining Lee when he turned professional early last year.

For a year, the 36-year-old assumed dual roles as Lee's assistant coach while also playing on the World Tour.

But injuries took a toll on him and Liew quietly retired in April this year.

As for Lee, he will now have the sole attention of head coach Wong Tat Meng on the sidelines from next year onwards.

The 25-year-old's first big assignment comes at the upcoming Malaysia Open (Jan 9-14) where he is due to face Lu Guang Zu in the opening round.