IF there is one thing Lee Zii Jia misses, apart from playing badminton during this Movement Control Order (MCO) period, it’s his guitar.
Many may not know this but the 22-year-old national No. 1 has been a keen musician over the past six years, albeit on the quiet side.
Unfortunately, Zii Jia, in his haste, left his guitar back at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara, when everyone was rushing to get home due to the MCO.
The World No 10 told Timesport he first picked up the guitar after being inspired by Korean pop outfit, CNBLUE when he was 15.
“It was the lead guitarist of the band, Lee Jong Hyun, who inspired me. He sang and played the guitar so well,” he said.
“After my PMR examination, my uncle enrolled me for guitar classes. I never turned back since,” said Zii Jia, who is now back in Kedah.
Zii Jia, tipped to be one of the players to look out for at next year's Tokyo Olympics, has been keeping himself fit by working out at home.
On whether the postponement of international tournaments, as well as the Olympics, has affected his progress, Zii Jia said: “Not really. I am not the only one. Everyone is going through the same thing.
“Of course I miss playing badminton and training on court but for now we need to fight this virus (Covid-19). In due time we will get back, and I want to be ready. ”
For now, while he waits in Alor Star, Zii Jia misses his guitar in Kuala Lumpur.
“Once the hectic tournament schedule begins, I won't have time. I had to play less guitar last year when I started playing in more tournaments.
“I like the sound of the acoustic guitar. Songs written on them have a relaxing effect on me,” said Zii Jia.