Tze Yong doubtful for Thomas Cup; Zii Jia to miss team training

Ng Tze Yong is doubtful to play in the Thomas Cup while Lee Zii Jia will miss the Malaysian team’s training.

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TZE YONG DOUBTFUL TO JOIN MALAYSIA IN THOMAS CUP

Tze Yong remains doubtful about joining Malaysia in the Thomas Cup due to questions about his fitness.

The world No. 18 had spinal surgery and is still recovering, said Badminton Association of Malaysia coaching director Rexy Mainaky.

Tze Yong’s coach Hendrawan could not provide a direct answer when asked about Tze Yong’s status for the Thomas Cup.

On Tuesday, the 24-year-old shuttler missed the team’s morning training at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Jara.

“I will discuss with the management regarding Tze Yong’s actual position for the Thomas Cup, whether he is fit or not to play,” Reinaky said.

TZE YONG TO UNDERGO MRI SCAN TO DETERMINE STATUS

Tze Yong is scheduled to undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to provide more details on his fitness. 

Reinaky is aware Tze Yong wants to play in the Thomas Cup but his doctor has concerns on his condition.

“In the latest development, we hear that the doctor at the NSI (National Sports Institute) is uncertain about his (Tze Yong) recovery status,” the BAM official said.

Tze Yong suffered a lower back injury at the Malaysia Open in January before sustaining a spinal disc injury.

He sustained his latest injury at the Asia Team Championships in Selangor in February, forcing him to miss several tournaments.

ZII JIA  TO MISS MALAYSIAN TEAM’S CENTRALIZED TRAINING

Zii Jia, meanwhile, will not join the Malaysian team’s centralized training for the Thomas Cup this month.

A statement from Team LZJ said Zii Jia will undergo a separate training program under LZJ’s director of coaching Wong Tat Meng.

Team LZJ thanked BAM, Mainaky, and head of administration Michelle Chai for understanding.

“Zii Jia is very much looking forward to linking up with the (Malaysian) squad on April 24,” Team LZJ said.

Mainaky said since the Thomas Cup and the Paris Olympics are held this year, BAM will “make the best out of it” regarding Zii Jia’s situation.