After picking up his third win in three straight matches of the E-Plus Badminton Asia Team Championships, national singles player Lee Zii Jia feels that he his mind game is getting stronger.
The 19-year-old Kedahan admitted that the stark transformation in his game and the way he approaches his opponents, was all down to national singles head coach Datuk Misbun Sidek.
“Coach Misbun’s words kept ringing in my ears. Before this, I feel that I am mentally weak and easily swayed by pressure. But this week, I believe that I have overcome these mental challenges,” said Zii Jia, who is currently ranked world No. 47.
Zii Jia created a major upset when he edged world No. 27 Hsu Jen Hao in straight 21-16, 21-13 to be part of Malaysia’s crushing 5-0 win over Chinese Taipei last night.
“When I started playing, all I thought about was staying focus and play my game. I didn’t let the thought of winning or losing distract me.
“I’m really happy as this is one of my best performance. It’s a feeling that I can’t describe playing in my home town.
“The home fans have been great. They are an amazing crowd and their support have really helped me a lot,” added Zii Jia. – BY ALVIN OH
