PETALING JAYA: World No. 2 Lee Zii Jia is one of the independent players invited by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) for a joint training session that is expected to start as soon as next week.
The good news is that those selected will be allowed to bring their respective coaches too.
Besides Lee Zii Jia, the other independent players who have been active on the Badminton World Federation (BWF) world tour are singles – Liew Daren (No. 37), Cheam June Wei (No. 51) and Soong Joo Ven (No. 53) and doubles – world No. 8 Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, Tan Kian Meng-Tan Wee Kiong (No. 47), Goh V Shem-Low Juan Shen (No. 46) and Nur Azryn Ayub-Lim Khim Wah (No. 54).
The others are women’s singles Goh Jin Wei, Soniia Cheah and K. Letshanaa; women’s doubles Vivian Hoo-Lim Chiew Sien; and mixed doubles pairs Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing and Goh Son Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie.
BAM high performance director Dr Tim Jones said they have spoken to all the independent players based on their current performance where both parties should benefit from those stints.
“We’ve called the independent players and their coaches to get their feedback and also inform on our arrangements before we go public on the joint training sessions,” said Jones.
“Currently, we have done the first round of talk to the players and we are waiting for their response before announcing which independent players and pairs will be available for the stint.
“We have to consult all the players before we release any details officially and we will start as soon as possible, even next week.
“Someone who is playing in Australia, like Zii Jia, he may not be able to start immediately if he agrees to come in.
“We will know in few days who are available.
“Their coaches are also allowed to join the sessions.”
