Fitting Zii Jia and Tze Yong into Malaysia's strategy

KUALA LUMPUR: Regardless of whether Lee Zii Jia or Ng Tze Yong takes to the court as the men's first singles for next month's Sudirman Cup, trust Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) singles coaching director Wong Choong Hann to call the shots.

Last week, ABM announced a 20-member squad for the world mixed team meet in Suzhou, China, with world No 4 Zii Jia and Tze Yong (No 25) as the only two men's singles players.

While acknowledging the tall order that awaits Malaysia in the group stages, Choong Hann told the press today that no player will be favoured over the other.

Instead, it will depend on several factors as to who will get to take to the court.

Malaysia, who hope to go beyond the quarter-finals, are in Group C alongside Taiwan, India and Australia.

"Zii Jia has already established himself, and he's a reliable team player. We believe he will deliver at the Sudirman Cup.

"However, sometimes each player has got his preference when it comes to opponents. We will work as a team to discuss further the best chance and percentage to win.

"He, who is more confident and has better feel, will play.

"Of course, we will do our very best to have them ready for every match but still, at that moment we will need to consider the minor elements and factors," said Choong Hann.

The former world No 1 also revealed that the centralised training camp for both the Sudirman Cup, as well as the Sea Games, will be held after the Asia Championships which start in Dubai next week.

On whether both squads will train together, Choong Hann said: "We're still in discussion and nothing is confirmed yet. We will see how it goes.

"More importantly we want to promote team bonding among the players, and get them to do some activities together."

It is understood that independent shuttler Zii Jia is currently training in Hong Kong, and will head to Dubai from there. He is expected to join the centralised training after the BAC.

"We have sent out the letters to the professional players for their acknowledgement and blessings."

KW: badminton, Zii Jia, Tze Yong, Sudirman Cup