Lee Zii Jia is fed up of repeating the same script of ‘coming back stronger’ after he crashed out at the Malaysia Open first round for the second consecutive year, but promised to trust the process as tough as it is.
Lee fell 21-16, 19-21, 15-21 against Lu Guang Zu on Tuesday to mark a gloomy and stormy start to the year, just like how the weather was in Kuala Lumpur and in the vicinity of the Axiata Arena.
The shuttler seemed exasperated when asked on his start to the 2024 season, but he was honest in his assessment.
“I hate coming out and repeating the same phrases like ‘try again’ and ‘come back stronger’, but this is the reality of the situation. This is part of the process and I have to be patient.
“At least I’m satisfied that I did my best to implement my coach’s strategy, even though it was not enough. I am still positive that I have not given up, that I show up for training and complete all the tasks that are given to me.
“I am not sure I can even make it before I retire, but I will keep trying. I hope one day I can stand here and declare that I am a champion. Not just in Malaysia, but in any tournament,” he said.
To be fair to Lee, he is not playing the same way when he was under Indra Wijaya or even when he was going solo without a coach.
Under Wong Tat Meng, there is more variety to his game.
More specifically, Wong seemed to have instilled some controlled aggression in the 25-year-old.
As compared to before where he would not think twice to jump-smash and try to kill a high shuttle, Lee seemed more inclined to find his winners at the net.
It was either through a disguised drop shot, even a cross-cross drop.
While some of it paid off and looked elegant when it did, others simply landed at the net or sent wide.
One wonders what the outcome would be if he had put all his strength into a thunderous smash for that high shuttle.
But the process continues, and it will be back to the drawing board for Lee to work with his coach in training again.
The world number 11 will next head to New Delhi for the India Open (January 16-21).
Lee fell 21-16, 19-21, 15-21 against Lu Guang Zu on Tuesday to mark a gloomy and stormy start to the year, just like how the weather was in Kuala Lumpur and in the vicinity of the Axiata Arena.
The shuttler seemed exasperated when asked on his start to the 2024 season, but he was honest in his assessment.
“I hate coming out and repeating the same phrases like ‘try again’ and ‘come back stronger’, but this is the reality of the situation. This is part of the process and I have to be patient.
“At least I’m satisfied that I did my best to implement my coach’s strategy, even though it was not enough. I am still positive that I have not given up, that I show up for training and complete all the tasks that are given to me.
“I am not sure I can even make it before I retire, but I will keep trying. I hope one day I can stand here and declare that I am a champion. Not just in Malaysia, but in any tournament,” he said.
To be fair to Lee, he is not playing the same way when he was under Indra Wijaya or even when he was going solo without a coach.
Under Wong Tat Meng, there is more variety to his game.
More specifically, Wong seemed to have instilled some controlled aggression in the 25-year-old.
As compared to before where he would not think twice to jump-smash and try to kill a high shuttle, Lee seemed more inclined to find his winners at the net.
It was either through a disguised drop shot, even a cross-cross drop.
While some of it paid off and looked elegant when it did, others simply landed at the net or sent wide.
One wonders what the outcome would be if he had put all his strength into a thunderous smash for that high shuttle.
But the process continues, and it will be back to the drawing board for Lee to work with his coach in training again.
The world number 11 will next head to New Delhi for the India Open (January 16-21).
