KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Ziii Jia (pic) is ready to start a new chapter in his career.
The 21-year-old singles shuttler hopes to absorb his new coach Hendrawan’s knowledge in defensive play to complement his attacking prowess.
The world No. 18 believes he has a lot of work to do but is looking forward to training under the 2001 world champion and 2000 Sydney Olympics silver medallist.
During his playing days, the Indonesian, who was Datuk Lee Chong Wei’s personal trainer, was known for his good defence which would force frustrated opponents into making mistakes.
And that ability is what Zii Jia feels has been missing from his game.
“Hendrawan was also very good at long rallies and I’m looking forward to learning this aspect of the game,” said Zii Jia.
“I’m more of an attacking and aggressive player. If my opponent keeps on returning my shots and I begin to feel tired, that’s when I’m in trouble.
“Hopefully Hendrawan can help me rectify this weakness.
“I’m also eager to find out what kind of training programme he has in store for me,” said Zii Jia.
“I would really like to experience the kind of training a great player like Chong Wei was put through.”
Zii Jia has been training under chief coach Datuk Misbun Sidek since he was promoted to the senior team two years ago.
But he reckons that the latest arrangement by the Badminton Association of Malaysia, which saw teammates Soong Joo Ven, Cheam June Wei and Lim Chong King being put under Hendrawan’s care, will not upset the team’s harmony.
“For me, I don’t see this as a drastic change. It’s just that some players are now under a different coach,” he stressed.
“We’re still a team, nothing changes. Misbun had informed us earlier about this and told us not to worry.
“I definitely still need Misbun. I told him I’ll continue to get input from him and Indra (Wijaya) although I’m under Hendrawan now.
“I need all the guidance I can get to become a better player.”
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