KUALA LUMPUR: Wong Tat Meng's arrival has been a game-changer for Lee Zii Jia, sparking a resurgence in the Malaysian shuttler's career over the last 17 months.
However, the big question remains. Will the seasoned coach stay on after the Olympics?
In May, Tat Meng, 57, hinted at taking a break once he completed Zii Jia's Olympic campaign in Paris.
His contract expires at the end of this year, and while he has guided Zii Jia to his maiden Olympic bronze, he has stayed silent on his plans for 2025.
Speaking on Friday, Zii Jia hopes to keep Tat Meng in his corner.
"Tat Meng has been with us for almost a year and a half, and I've gained so much from him. Winning Olympic bronze has been the highlight," said Zii Jia.
"If there are any updates on his future, we'll inform the media."
Tat Meng's career has been defined by short stints and globe-trotting.
Starting with the BA of Malaysia (BAM) from 2003 to 2011, he then ventured overseas, coaching Indonesia's women's singles (2011-2013), Scotland's Kirsty Gilmour (2017-2018), and South Korea's Olympic champion An Se Young from 2019 to 2022.
He returned to Malaysia last year to work with Zii Jia after a stint with Hong Kong.
While Zii Jia's bronze medal could persuade Tat Meng to stay, the coach's adventurous nature may see him chasing new challenges yet again.