TIME TO TAKE ON THE WORLD
Zii Jia gets confidence boost after All England run despite losing in semi-finals
LEE Zii Jia is now fired up to take on the world following his unexpected good run in the All England.
The World 13 was close to reaching the final only to lose concentration in the closing stages of the third game in his 17-21 21-13 21-19 defeat to former world champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in the semi-finals yesterday.
The 22-year-old recorded a string of surprising results in the opening rounds with the victory against reigning Olympic champion Chen Long in the quarter-finals being the most memorable.
“Overall, it has been an eye-opening experience for me this week despite my defeat today (yesterday),” said Zii Jia.
“We fought well and it could have been anyone’s match.
“This is a stepping stone for me. However, I still need to work on my calmness. I also have to be mentally stronger in handling crucial moments of matches.”
His coach, Hendrawan said Zii Jia produced his best against Axelsen.
“There is always a winner and a loser in matches and unfortunately, Zii Jia lost.
“Zii Jia should remain positive and keep on improving to make inroads in the sport,” said the Indonesian.
BA of Malaysia (BAM) coaching director Wong Choong Hann was happy with Zii Jia’s performance.
“Zii Jia was consistent throughout the week. He has grown to become a composed player.
“The performance here is a major step for him to move forward,” said Choong Hann.
With the score tight at 19-19 in the decider, Zii Jia was faulted by the umpire for hitting the shuttle before it had crossed the net, and it proved to be the turning point as Axelsen went on to seal a spot in the final.