KUALA LUMPUR: From schoolmates to national teammates, and later as colleagues, Rashid Sidek and Wong Tat Meng go way back.
Rashid, a former Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) singles head coach, believes Tat Meng has a unique style of coaching which could be what Lee Zii Jia needs to turn his fortune around.
On Monday, Tat Meng held his first training session with Zii Jia, who has dropped further to No 16 in the world this week.
Tat Meng, who was previously attached to the Hong Kong Badminton Association (HKBA), left abruptly amid some controversy, to join Zii Jia's independent team, Team LZJ.
Prior to that, Tat Meng also had coaching stints in Indonesia and South Korea, where he was attributed to the rise of world No 2 An Se Young.
"Tat Meng and I were not only teammates and colleagues in the past, we even went to school together," Rashid told Timesport today.
"Tat Meng moved from Perak and went to school with me at Victoria Institution (VI). We studied for two years together.
"As a player, Tat Meng was very much on the attack, but as a coach, he is versatile. This is because he has travelled around and learned from many experienced coaches."
Rashid agreed that Tat Meng is no magician, but if Zii Jia can adapt quickly to his coaching and style, the former All England champion could see a turnaround in his game soon.
After announcing he was going to take a break from badminton following an early round exit at the Indonesia Open last month, the controversial shuttler is back and will compete in the Korea Open on July 18-23, as well as the Japan and Australian Opens after that.
The 25-year-old is well aware that he cannot be out for too long, if he wishes to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"I read the media interview with Tat Meng, and what he said is true. The right attitude is needed to be a champion.
"Tat Meng understands that he must help guide Zii Jia not just on the court but off it as well.
"It takes two to tango, Zii Jia must also be able to adapt to Tat Meng's coaching style," added Rashid, who runs his own business and is also attached to the Ministry of Higher Education.