PETALING JAYA: No more injuries – that is all Liew Daren is hoping for as his charge Lee Zii Jia ramps up preparations for the upcoming Thomas Cup Finals in Horsens, Denmark, less than three weeks away.
Zii Jia showed encouraging signs of full fitness during his second training session at the Academy Badminton Malaysia yesterday, taking part in match play against several national back-up players.
The Paris Olympic bronze medallist has acknowledged that he is fully fit again, although he declined to speak to the media.
Earlier, concerns had arisen after he suffered an ankle injury that delayed his return to national training twice – having initially been scheduled to resume on April 1.
Daren said they had received an offer from the National Sports Institute (NSI), facilitated by Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei, for further treatment, but said the situation is now under control.
“Firstly, I would like to thank the National Sports Institute (NSI) and Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei as well, because we did receive the offer.
“So far, we are doing fine and everything is on track. Hopefully there are no injuries now. The most important thing at the moment is training. We need to increase the intensity,” he added.
Zii Jia’s presence at training has also proven beneficial for the national back-up players, who now have the opportunity to spar with him.
“Actually, the most important thing is that there are many sparring partners here. So it’s good for him because I think he needs exposure to different types of players.
“Recently, he may not have had as many sparring opportunities. So this is a good chance for him to improve further,” said Daren.
This was echoed by men’s singles coach K. Yogendran, who oversaw the session in the absence of national singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen and head coach Tey Seu Bock, who are currently in Ningbo for the Asian Championships.
“He (Zii Jia) is doing his best and giving his all in training. I report to Seu Bock and Jonassen on his progress. So far, we have had two sessions together and in both, he has given 100%.
“The back-up players are very excited because they have never played with Zii Jia before, especially those aged 18 and 19. I can see they really admire him and are trying to learn from him. They are very positive when he is around,” said Yogendran.
