PETALING JAYA: Datuk Misbun Sidek believes Lee Zii Jia still has what it takes to turn his career around, but the independent shuttler must first be willing to seek help.
Misbun is no stranger to Zii Jia, having coached him during the early years of his career and guided him to his first World Tour title at the Taiwan Open in 2018.
Misbun believes Zii Jia still has the desire to compete despite his struggles and said he is willing to offer advice if the former All-England champion needs his help.
“For now, I can only give him advice. From what I can see, he is a good person and he still wants to play. Otherwise, he would not still be trying to compete," said Misbun.
“Even in smaller tournaments, he is finding it difficult. There seems to be something holding him back, but the question is who can help him figure out what it is?”
However, Misbun said it ultimately depends on Zii Jia himself and whether he is willing to reach out for help to overcome the problems he is facing.
Misbun believes Zii Jia’s current struggles do not take away from the fact that he has already proven himself capable of becoming a champion.
The question now is whether the former All England champion can find his way back to that level after a difficult spell last year.
“Zii Jia is an attacking player, but from what I see, he is not quite getting there at the moment.
“There was a time when everything came together for him, but as you get older, things can change.
“If he wants advice, of course I can advise him. But the question is whether he wants it.
“It is like leading a horse to water. If it is not thirsty, you cannot force it to drink. But if he wants it, he will find a way because he has been there before.
“He has won the All-England and he has been among the best. It is not as though he has never reached that level.
“So the question is what is stopping him from getting back there? That is something the coaches need to look at,” he added.
