HANGZHOU: Despite his struggles with inconsistency, Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia has advanced to the second round of the Hangzhou Asian Games.
However, during Monday's press conference after the win, Zii Jia drew attention, albeit without specifying the exact issue or individuals he was referring to, in response to recent negative press he has been receiving.
"I'd like to share something," he began.
"Since my departure from the BA of Malaysia (BAM), there has been a lot said about me, with some of it being true and some not.
"I understand that the media has a job to do, and I can't stop anyone from reporting what they want.
"But I want to say is don't touch my family, and those I deeply care about. If you cross that line, I will chase after you," warned Zii Jia.
On Monday, the world No. 16 bounced back from a first-game blemish to defeat Hong Kong's Angus Ng 15-21, 21-15, 21-16 in an intense 62-minute battle at Binjiang Stadium here.
The victory comes as huge boost for the 25-year-old Kedah-born, who has not defeated Angus, since the German Open in 2019.
Looking ahead, the second round appears promising for the former All England champion, as his next opponent is the relatively unknown Mourinho Gusmao de Jesus from Timor Leste, who received a first-round bye.
"I'm happy because this is a breakthrough for me, especially after a series of losses to Angus in our previous encounters (four)," said Zii Jia.
"I've put last week's team event disappointment behind me because, as professionals, we must move forward.
"I'm determined to capitalise on this momentum. Sometimes, it's just not your day, and that's part of the game."
Zii Jia was one of the Malaysian players who were unable to contribute a point in Malaysia's 3-1 defeat to South Korea in the first round of the men's team event last week.