PETALING JAYA: Thank you for all the memories, says former shuttler Liew Daren (pic) after leaving Lee Zii Jia’s team.
The 36-year-old cited personal reasons for leaving Team LZJ after a year.
“In any journey, there is always a beginning and an end and today (yesterday) was my last day with Team LZJ as I have tendered my resignation for personal reasons,” said Daren via social media.
“I leave with a heavy heart but also with wonderful memories as being in Team LZJ has provided me with another meaningful chapter in my badminton life.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to the team and wish them all the best for the coming season.
“This is definitely not the end for me, I have known badminton since I was young and perhaps this is the right time for a much needed recharge before the next adventure.”
Daren had juggled between playing badminton and coaching Zii Jia at the start of the year before hanging up his racquet in April.
He was then assistant coach to Wong Tat Meng, who joined Zii Jia’s team in June.
Daren had also been Zii Jia’s sparring partner since the latter left the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to turn independent last year.
As a player, Daren’s best achievements were winning bronze in the World Championships in 2018 in Nanjing, China, and capturing the French Open in 2012.
Meanwhile, Zii Jia will continue preparations for his next tournament, the Malaysian Open from Jan 9-14 in Bukit Jalil under Tat Meng.
The world No. 15 will open his campaign against China’s world No. 19 Lu Guangzu.
Zii Jia faces a crucial year with the 2024 Paris Olympics coming up in July.
