PETALING JAYA: Will independent men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia be part of the team for the Asia Mixed Team Championships from Feb 11-16 in Qingdao, China?
Zii Jia was ruled out of three back-to-back tournaments in January – the Malaysian Open last week, Indian Open and Indonesian Masters, starting tomorrow, due to an ankle ligament injury but could be ready to compete again next month.
Even if he is fit and ready, will the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) consider the 26-year-old for selection?
Zii Jia, who is currently ranked No. 8 in the world, is Malaysia’s undisputed No. 1 in the men’s singles and the country’s best bet to earn a valuable point in the team event which also acts as the qualifier for the Sudirman Cup from April 27-May 4 in Xiamen, China.
Former international Ong Ewe Hock (pic) believes that BAM and Zii Jia need to put the country first.
The last time the Kedahan was called up for the country in a team event was during the Thomas Cup Finals last April but there was controversy due to payments that BAM had to make in order for Zii Jia to don the national jersey.
Both BAM and Team LZJ had to come up with a win-win situation as both parties had obligations to different sponsors.
The national body agreed to make compensation for image rights to Zii Jia and the situation could be repeated if he is considered for selection again.
Ewe Hock believes that BAM and Zii Jia need to come up with the best solution again.
“For me, the country always comes first. In terms of this payment issue, they need to see the terms and conditions of the contract in the player’s brand,” said Ewe Hock.
“I don’t know the current situation as it pertains to individual contracts, so I can’t comment on whether they should pay or not.
“The important part is he has to play for the country. BAM have to sit down and discuss with Zii Jia. Both parties should resolve the issue to name the best line-up for Malaysia.”
The other options in the men’s singles for Malaysia are world No. 28 Leong Jun Hao, world No. 53 Justin Hoh and Cheam June Wei (No. 55).
Malaysia have a tough task as they face Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Kazakhstan in Group B.
Only the top two teams from each of the four groups will progress to the last eight.
