KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Zii Jia's shock first-round loss at the Malaysia Open yesterday has left his fans questioning his decision to play without a coach.
His fans used to jump to his defence when the world No 2 was criticised by the press.
Now they are wondering whether Zii Jia, 25, made the right move to drop Indra Wijaya in November.
Social media was abuzz yesterday with many fans urging him to reconsider his decision to play without a coach.
Zii Jia, who lost 13-21, 21-17, 21-19 to world No 7 Kodai Naraoka of Japan, now spars and seeks advice from former world No 10 Liew Daren.
Apart from Daren, Zii Jia's professional team consists of his sister, Lee Zii Yii, who acts as his manager; physiotherapist Sandra Fiedler; and physical trainer Lim Joe Heang
"Yes, Zii Jia gave his all, but Kodai owned the match. I hope Zii Jia will find a coach soon," said one fan (@theone_xyz) on Twitter.
Another Twitter user (@Mozehan) said: "Yes, Zii Jia is more mature now, more calm, but he needs a coach to guide him during matches.
"Look at Naraoka. He kept looking at his coach during the match for input."
Despite the defeat, many of Zii Jia's fans continue to shower the reigning Asian champion with support.
"Will always believe in him, but I hope he will get himself a coach because he is a good player and he needs a coach to guide him. "He can't do all things on his own. Please tell him this," said Twitter user Miss Lynne (@MissLynne10).
Some even continued to support Zii Jia's choice to go coach-less.
"I think people should take it easy and let Zii Jia and his team keep learning and improving.
"Rome was not built in a day. I think he played well (against Kodai). It was a great game and it could have easily been a final match," said milasiju (@milasiju2)
Zii Jia, in his post-match interview, said: "I have to accept the result although I am disappointed.
"This is my choice and I have to stick with it. If I have to go down this way, then I'll go down this way. 'Mati pun mati lah, saya tak menyesal' (I have no regrets)."
There has been no confirmation, but it is learnt that he will be without a coach for at least the first half of the season.