Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Malaysian badminton legend Lee Chong Wei has expressed concern over Lee Zii Jia’s continuing struggles on the international circuit, saying it is difficult to watch a player with so much talent go through such a prolonged downturn.
The three-time Olympic silver medalist believes a more structured training environment, stronger sparring partners and a comprehensive support team could help the former All England champion rediscover his best badminton.
Lee Chong Wei, now chairman of the Badminton Association of Malaysia’s Performance Committee, also reiterated that BAM remains willing to speak with Lee Zii Jia if the independent shuttler wants assistance with the next stage of his career.
“To see a talented player like Zii Jia struggling on the international stage is really a waste,” Lee Chong Wei said.
Lee Zii Jia Suffers Another Early Exit at Vietnam Open
The comments came after Lee Zii Jia suffered another setback at the 2026 Vietnam Open in Ho Chi Minh City.
Ranked world No. 58, Lee received a first-round bye but was eliminated in the second round by 20-year-old Wu Zhe Ying of Chinese Taipei, who entered the tournament ranked world No. 88.
Wu won their first career meeting 21-8, 13-21, 21-14 after 47 minutes.
- Winner: Wu Zhe Ying of Chinese Taipei
- Defeated: Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia
- Score: 21-8, 13-21, 21-14
- Tournament: 2026 Vietnam Open
- Round: Second round
The defeat was particularly disappointing because Lee had chosen to compete at the Super 100 event in an effort to rebuild confidence and regain competitive rhythm.
Instead, his search for form remains a difficult one.
Lee Chong Wei Says BAM Door Is Still Open
Lee Chong Wei said this is not the first time BAM has offered support to the Paris Olympic bronze medalist.
BAM had previously invited Lee Zii Jia to represent Malaysia at the Asian Games, but the player declined because he did not feel ready to return to major competition at that time.
Lee Chong Wei stressed that BAM respected that decision.
“This is not the first time we have invited Zii Jia. We offered him the opportunity to play at the Asian Games, but he felt he was not ready, so we respected his decision.”
However, the former world No. 1 admitted he was disappointed to see Lee suffer another defeat at a lower-level tournament.
“BAM’s door is always open. He can come and discuss his future with us anytime.”
Lee Chong Wei made clear that any decision must ultimately come from Lee Zii Jia himself.
He believes the player must decide what environment gives him the best chance of rebuilding his career.
Would Returning to BAM Help Lee Zii Jia?
Lee Chong Wei believes the national setup could offer several advantages.
A structured training program would give Lee regular high-level practice, while access to strong sparring partners could help recreate the intensity he faces against leading players on the BWF World Tour.
BAM could also provide a wider support structure involving coaching, physical conditioning, sports science and other performance resources.
For a player attempting to recover from a prolonged period of inconsistent results, that stability could become increasingly valuable.
Ong Ewe Hock Believes Lee Zii Jia Can Still Recover
Former Malaysian international Ong Ewe Hock has also expressed concern about Lee’s current situation but believes it is far too early to talk about retirement.
Ong feels Lee still possesses the ability to compete at a high level for another two or three years if he can resolve the issues affecting his performances.
He compared Lee’s situation to someone drifting without a clear direction.
“Zii Jia is like someone floating at sea in a boat without radar or a captain. There is no clear direction, and that is sad to see.”
Ong said the quality is still there, but believes Lee’s current problems appear to involve confidence and the mental side of competition as much as technical ability.
Recent Results Increase Pressure on Lee Zii Jia
The Vietnam Open defeat followed another disappointing result at the Korea Masters, where Lee was eliminated in the opening round by fellow Malaysian professional Eogene Ewe.
Those results have added to the pressure surrounding his attempt to return to the level that once made him one of the most dangerous attacking players in world badminton.
Lee’s ability has never been the main question.
At his best, his explosive attack, court coverage and pace allow him to trouble almost any opponent.
The bigger challenge has been finding the consistency needed to produce that level tournament after tournament.
Ong Ewe Hock: Lee Should Seek Advice From Former Players
Ong believes Lee should not hesitate to speak with experienced former players who understand the pressures of competing at the highest level.
“There is nothing wrong with approaching former players and asking for advice that might help. I am also willing to help if he wants my opinion.”
Ong suggested that problems away from competition may also need to be resolved before Lee can completely focus on badminton again.
His view is that outside guidance could help Lee regain clarity and confidence at an important stage of his career.
Retirement Talk Still Premature
Despite Lee’s recent results, Ong rejected the idea that the Malaysian should already be considering retirement.
The former All England champion still has time to rebuild, particularly if he can create the right support structure around himself.
At this stage, the question is less about whether Lee still possesses the physical ability to compete and more about how he organizes the next phase of his career.
Lee Chong Wei Wants More Structure Around Young Malaysian Players
Lee Chong Wei’s concerns extend beyond Lee Zii Jia.
He has also submitted recommendations to BAM regarding adjustments to Malaysia’s coaching and player-development structure.
The association is expected to consider bringing players aged approximately 13 to 15 back into a centralized training environment to create a smoother transition from junior badminton into the senior national program.
Under the previous system, reductions within the national junior setup resulted in a number of younger players returning to their respective state programs.
Lee Chong Wei believes stronger development pathways are important if Malaysia wants to maintain a steady supply of international-level players.
Lee Zii Jia Still Holds the Key to His Own Future
For now, BAM can offer support, former players can offer advice and coaches can propose new training plans, but the next decision belongs to Lee Zii Jia.
Lee Chong Wei has made it clear that the national association remains willing to discuss a possible return or other forms of support.
Ong Ewe Hock, meanwhile, believes the 28-year-old still has enough time and quality to turn his career around if he can regain direction and confidence.
The difficult results at the Korea Masters and Vietnam Open show that the comeback will not happen simply by entering more tournaments.
Lee may need a clearer plan, stronger daily competition in training and a support system capable of addressing both the technical and mental demands of elite badminton.
Lee Chong Wei Still Believes in Lee Zii Jia’s Talent
The strongest message from Lee Chong Wei is not criticism, but frustration at seeing considerable talent go unused.
He knows from his own career how much preparation, discipline and support are required to remain competitive at the highest level.
For Lee Zii Jia, the opportunity to rebuild still exists.
Whether that happens independently or with help from BAM will depend on the decision he makes next, but Malaysia’s greatest men’s singles player has made one thing clear: the door remains open.
