Lee Zii Jia might skip Thomas Cup to prioritize Paris Games
Lee Zii Jia is pondering on skipping the Thomas Cup in China to prioritize his stint in the Paris Olympics.
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TEAM LZJ MIGHT PRIORITIZE BOOSTING WORLD RANKING
Zii Jia’s team (Team LZJ) is looking to boost his world No.10 ranking before the Paris Games.
Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) coaching director Rexy Mainaky recently met with Team LZJ manager Lee Zii Yii and coach Wong Tat Meng.
“We need to understand that this year, the Thomas Cup is being held in the same year as the Olympics,” Rexy said.
“Of course, everyone will want to prioritize the Olympics,” he added.
Malaysia is bunched with Algeria, Hong Kong, and European champions Denmark in Group D in the Thomas Cup.
BAM OFFICIAL TO AVOID ‘PREMATURE SPECULATIONS’
Rexy clarified that the BAM still has until April 13 to finalize Malaysia’s final lineup for the Thomas Cup.
The Thomas Cup will be held from April 27 to May 5.
“For sure there is a backup plan, but let’s not discuss it yet and make any premature speculations,” the BAM official said.
Zii Jia is scheduled to play in the Asian Championships (April 9-14), Malaysia Masters (May 21-26), Singapore Open (May 28-June 2), Indonesia Open (June 4-9) and Australian Open (June 11-16).
Malaysia last won the Thomas Cup in 1992.
Malaysia reached the quarterfinals before losing to eventual champions India, 3-2.
