Zii Jia will change coach again as Tat Meng leaves after Finals

File pix of Malaysia men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia (left) listening to his coach Wong Tat Meng while playing against China’s Zhao Junpeng during the first round of the Malaysian Masters at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil this year. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Wong Tat Meng will part ways with men singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia after the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, China.

Team LZJ have not extended Tat Meng's contract with Zii Jia that ends this month.

The 57-year-old Tat Meng took over from Indonesian Indra Wijaya in July 2023, and under him Zii Jia won the bronze medal at the Paris Olympic Games.

In a statement released by Team LZJ, the professional outfit thanked Tat Meng.

"It is with a heavy heart and much gratitude that Team LZJ accept the decision of coaching director Wong Tat Meng to pursue a different phase of his coaching career.

"We thank coach Wong Tat Meng for his hard work, dedication, and most importantly his wisdom and guidance throughout his time with Team LZJ.

Team LZJ will appoint a new coach for Zii Jia and it will be announced in due time.

"The team are preparing for the start of the 2005 season with the next Olympic Games cycle in mind."