Newly appointed Hong Kong singles coach Wong Choong Hann is looking forward to his new role, which is set to begin against former charge Lee Zii Jia in the most anticipated first-round match at the Korea Open (July 18-23).

Choong Hann got the offer shortly after tendering his resignation with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), whom he had served with since 2018 as national coaching director, last month.

In a strange twist of fate, Choong Hann got his first overseas opportunity when another Malaysian, Wong Tat Meng, left the role to become Lee’s head coach and technical director.

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“I’m truly a kampung boy, having played and coached only in Malaysia. Hong Kong will be my first stint outside the country and naturally, I’m looking forward.

“My family will stay behind as my kids are big now, so they will be alright. I congratulated Tat Meng when he took up the job as Zii Jia’s coach.

“Weeks later, I’ve taken his post in Hong Kong. We just have to clap our hands and move on to do our duties the best we can. That’s how it is,” the 46-year-old, who is expected to start work next week after his work visa is approved, told The Star.

His first competitive assignment with Hong Kong number one Angus Ng Ka Long could be heralded as a possible spicy affair against Lee, considering what transpired in May.

It started when Lee trained in Hong Kong with Tat Meng and the Hong Kong men’s singles team, including Ng.

Shortly afterward, Team LZJ announced Tat Meng's appointment, leading to the Hong Kong ace taking to social media to vent his frustration on the departure.

Lee then retorted the claim by making a reference to Erik Ten Hag's move to Manchester United.