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KUALA LUMPUR – Commonwealth Games Deputy Chef de Mission (DCDM) Monteiro Gerard Clair said he was disappointed that the nation’s top shuttler Lee Zii Jia pulled out from competing at the upcoming games in Birmingham, England from July 28 to August 8.
Zii Jia yesterday shared a video with the media stating that it was difficult for him to cope with the tight schedule he has been facing lately, and he wants to focus fully on the World Badminton Championships in Tokyo Japan from August 22 to August 28.
Speaking during his visit to Akademi Badminton Malaysia, Monteiro said he was looking forward for Zii Jia to bring back the gold medal for Malaysia.
“We are all very surprised by Zii Jia’s decision, all we know for now is the video that he released.
“I can’t speak for the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), but as DCDM I am disappointed because badminton has been a stalwart for the Commonwealth Games.
“I understand that the World Championships is near, but there are two weeks in-between the tournaments, so we are disappointed on our side that he has chosen this path,” he said.
Meanwhile, BAM coaching director Wong Choong Hann said he was also shocked that Zii Jia pulled out of the Commonwealth Games.
“It definitely came as a surprise as BAM was not aware of it. In the video he thanked the Olympic Council of Malaysia and National Sports Council, so it would be best to refer to them. We (BAM) don’t know anything about it,” he said.
Choong Hann added that Zii Jia’s absence gives youngster Ng Tze Yong to step up.
“Although he is not the main contender for the gold medal, this is his chance to surprise us as the opportunity has come for him at the last minute.
“It is disappointing that Zii Jia won’t be there because the men’s singles gold was our target. But now we will send Tze Yong to do his best,” he added.
National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky praised women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-Thinaah Muralitharan for their consistent performance.
“They are our top target. You can see their positive trend since the Uber Cup, Thailand Open, Indonesia Master and Open, so we are hoping that they can bring back the gold.
“For men’s doubles, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik can make it far, they just need to improve their playing mindset and I’m sure they can go all the way,” he added. – The Vibes, June 23, 2022