PETALING JAYA: Shuttler Lee Shun Yang will no longer be national No. 1 men’s singles player Lee Zii Jia’s sparring partner.
Shun Yang joined Team LZJ a year ago after parting ways with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
In a heartfelt social media post, the 23-year-old shared that he was leaving Zii Jia’s team.
“A year has flown by and I just want I want to thank Zii Jia’s team for inviting me to be their sparring partner,” said Shun Yang.
“I’ve really enjoyed the chance to train with Zii Jia and be part of such an amazing team. It’s been an incredible experience and I’ve learned so much along the way.
Thank you, friend: Lee Shun Yang (right) with Lee Zii Jia.
“The most unforgettable memory has to be the Paris Olympics (last August). The absolute highlight was watching Zii Jia win the bronze medal live. It’s a moment I will treasure forever.”
Shun Yang then said that he was sad to leave and hopes to return to the team again in the future.
“Now that I’m leaving, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad about it. But I really wish the team all the best and hope Zii Jia stays healthy and keeps crushing it on the court.
“If there’s ever a chance, I’d love to come back. I’ll keep pushing forward in my badminton journey.”
Shun Yang is the third member to leave Team LZJ over the past two months after coach Wong Tat Meng and physical trainer Lim Joe Heang.
Former international Yeoh Kay Bin has since been appointed as Zii Jia’s new coach.
The world No. 7 has yet to compete under Kay Bin this year after suffering a right ankle ligament injury in the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou last month.
Zii Jia was forced to miss the back-to-back Malaysian Open, Indian Open and Indonesian Masters and has not been called up for the Asia Mixed Team Championships from Feb 11-16 in Qingdao, China.
The 26-year-old could return next in the prestigious All-England from March 11-16 in Birmingham.
