REPEAT YOUR FORM FOR GAMES GLORY
Chong Wei touts Zii Jia as medal contender in Tokyo
IF Lee Zii Jia can repeat his All England form, he is definitely a medal contender at the Tokyo Olympics, said Lee Chong Wei. Commenting on Zii Jia’s sensational run in the ongoing All England where he stunned World No 1 and Olympic favourite Kento Momota to reach the men’s singles final, Chong Wei said: “When it comes to major events, it’s all about form and nerves. Who handles it better, will win.
“That is why you see a lot of upsets in big tournaments like the Olympics and World Championships.
“Zii Jia has bounced back from his poor start to the year and beat the likes of Japan’s Momota. I’m really happy for him.”
Former World No 1 Chong Wei, who is also a three-time Olympic silver medallist, added: “If Zii Jia can play like this at the Olympics, then he is surely a contender for a medal.
“If his form dips like it did at the Asian leg of the World Tour in Thailand, then it will be difficult.”
Chong Wei said the 2016 Rio Olympics was a perfect example of players proving the formbook wrong.
“If you recall the 2016 Olympics, expectations were high on South Korea’s Lee Yong Dae-Yoo Yeong Seong to win (men’s doubles gold). Instead, they were beaten by Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong in the quarter-finals.
“Nobody would have expected V ShemWee Kiong or even Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying to reach the Olympics final, but they did. That’s the thing about major events.”
Earlier this year, World No 10 Zii Jia came under criticism for his poor showing in both the Yonex and Toyota Thailand Opens, as well as the World Tour Finals in Bangkok.
The 23-year-old Kedahan, however, quickly silenced his critics with his sensational run in the All England.
However, Chong Wei has urged Zii Jia to remain grounded because anything can happen.
“Firstly, I am happy that Zii Jia has regained his confidence. But like I said earlier, it’s all about form and nerves at major events.
“Zii Jia is still young and I’m sure he will want to play in the next Olympics.
But don’t look too far ahead because anything can happen between now and then.
“Always focus on what is at hand. This All England has served Zii Jia well, I hope he learns from it and uses it as a stepping stone for the Olympics this year.”