FROM IDOL TO RIVAL

Zii Jia is ready for the three-way battle with Chong Wei and Liew Daren to earn Olympic slot

JUST two years ago, Lee Zii Jia was an up-and-coming shuttler who would watch his idol Lee Chong Wei in action on television. Fast forward and the 21-year-old men’s singles shuttler is set for a three-way battle with the former World No 1 and independent shuttler Liew Daren for an Olympic spot next year.

Describing it as both a humbling and special experience, Zii Jia can’t wait to challenge his more fancied compatriots when the one-year qualification period begins in May.

“Nope, not at all. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought of challenging Chong Wei for an Olympic spot.

“I mean just a few years ago, I would watch him play on television. Now, I must battle it out with him and Daren to earn a spot in next year’s Olympics (Tokyo).

“It’s a very special feeling, it’s something I cannot explain.

“I am excited, and I look forward to the challenge,” said World No 27 Zii Jia yesterday.

Chong Wei has expressed his desire to try and qualify for a fifth Olympic appearance, after coming out of a battle with nose cancer last year.

The 37-year, who hasn’t played in a competitive match since reaching the semi-finals of the Indonesia Open in July, admitted it won’t be easy for him to qualify for the Tokyo edition.

“We are all excited and happy to have him (Chong Wei) back in training, but it’s still too early to speak about his condition.

“He trains on his own with coach Hendrawan, so I don’t really know if he is back to his best or if he needs more time,” added Zii Jia, who has a hectic schedule ahead of him.

The Kedah-born will first compete in the National Championships, which starts on Monday, where he hopes to win the men’s singles title, before heading to Muelheim for the German Open on Feb 26-Mar 3.

Zii Jia is also on the reserve list for next month’s All England in Birmingham.