Malaysia men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia in action against India’s Ayush Shetty in the first round match of Malaysia Open at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil on January 6th, 2026. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
By RAJES PAUL
Thursday, 19 Mar 2026
PETALING JAYA: It is always difficult to catch up once you have fallen far behind but former coach Wong Tat Meng wants singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia (pic) to snap out of his downward spiral.
The 27-year-old Zii Jia is trying to make up for lost time after recovering from foot injury, but continues to struggle on the international stage despite his best efforts.
On Tuesday, the 27-year-old failed to qualify for the main draw of the Orleans Masters in France after going down 18-21, 14-21 in 36 minutes to China’s Dong Tianyao in the second round of the qualifiers at the Palais des Sports.
Zii Jia had to start from the qualifying rounds after his world ranking slipped to No. 84, having sat out most of last season due to a foot injury.
Tat Meng, who used to coach Zii Jia, urges the Malaysian to rediscover his form and avoid putting undue pressure on himself.
“It looks as though he’s still holding back on court and I think, it has nothing to do with injury. He has taken a long time to heal,” said Tat Meng, who watched the match online.
“I know it’s very hard for him to start from the qualifying rounds after being at the top. The others are catching up.”
While other youngsters – Alwi Farhan of Indonesia, Alex Lanier of France, Yushi Tanaka of Japan, Ayush Shetty of India are pushing boundaries, the former All-England champion Zii Jia is struggling to stabilise his game.
Tat Meng agreed that his former charge appeared to be playing with a heavy burden.
“I felt like he was trying too hard in every shot and going to the extreme with his effort. I mean, he is trying, but his movements are not agile,” said Tat Meng.
“It’s now about clearing his mind and playing with confidence.
“I’m not sure what burden he is carrying in his heart and mind, but he needs to let it go.”
Tat Meng hopes Zii Jia can overcome his struggles in time to regain form ahead of the Thomas Cup Finals in Denmark next month.
“I wish him all the best. I do hope he will find his form again,” he added.
Tat Meng has since returned to Sydney after spending a few weeks in Malaysia earlier this year, but is still undergoing rehabilitation following a motorcycle accident last year that left him with multiple fractures.
He underwent another surgery last month to strengthen his left arm and is gradually getting back on his feet while remaining attached to the Roketto Badminton Club.
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