KUALA LUMPUR: Wong Tat Meng has stepped away from his role as coach of Lee Zii Jia, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of turning the shuttler into an Olympic bronze medallist in just 18 months.
Arriving from Hong Kong in mid-2023, Tat Meng took on the task of reviving Zii Jia's career at a time when the world No. 8 was battling poor form and contemplating retirement.
With his wealth of experience and meticulous approach, Tat Meng helped Zii Jia regain his confidence, producing results that spoke volume of their partnership.
Under Tat Meng's guidance, Zii Jia clinched his first Olympic medal at the Paris Games in August and climbed back into the top 10 of the world rankings.
The shuttler also won three World Tour Super 500 titles—the Arctic, Thailand, and Australia Opens — and reached a few finals during the demanding Olympic qualification period.
On Saturday, Tat Meng shared a heartfelt message on social media, taking pride in Zii Jia's rebirth as a shuttler.
"As the year comes to an end, my 18-month journey with Zii Jia also reaches its conclusion. The World Tour Finals will be our last assignment together, and it's the perfect moment to reflect on the road we've travelled," wrote Tat Meng.
"When we began this partnership, the focus was clear—to help him rediscover his form and confidence. Through countless hours of hard work, persistence, and adjustments, we achieved some meaningful milestones."
The 57-year-old added: "Seeing him finish on the podium at the Paris Olympics was a testament to his tenacity and drive.
"I'm proud to have played a part in his achievements, and I look forward to the next chapter of my coaching career."
Although Tat Meng has not revealed his future plans, he is rumoured to be joining Roketto Club in Sydney, a setup run by his close friend Asok Boopathy. The move would allow him to continue contributing to badminton while stepping away from the demanding World Tour schedule.