KUALA LUMPUR: For those wondering about Lee Zii Jia's state of mind for the Paris World Championships, the enigmatic shuttler himself may have provided some startling clues.
Zii Jia, who has been nursing a serious ankle injury, has revealed that he also faced depression, loneliness and self-doubt in his five months away from badminton.
On the eve of the World Championships, Zii Jia, who plays South Korean world No. 38 Heo Kwang Hee in the first round tomorrow, made known his thoughts in an interview with the Badminton World Federation in Paris.
So, how ready is Zii Jia for the World Championships? The erratic former All England champion and Olympic bronze medallist is known for crashing out in the first rounds of World Tour events.
His every move against Kwang Hee at the Adidas Arena in Paris will be scrutinised and analysed by his fans.
Even at his peak, Kwang Hee might not be able to challenge the Malaysian, but given Zii Jia's present situation — he has also dropped out of the world top ranking to No. 52 — he may have a tough battle on his hands.
Though their head-to-head record (3-1) favours Zii Jia, badminton legend Datuk Razif Sidek believes it will be a tricky match for the independent shuttler.
"The fans eagerly await their favourite player to return to action. But it's hard to gauge how well he is going to play after being out of action for five months.
"In his prime, Zii Jia wouldn't have to worry, but he is out of touch and Hyeok Jin will be a tough nut, like any other Korean shuttler.
"However, it's good to see him back, and it will be very important for him to have a good match to prove that he is back in business."
Meanwhile, men's doubles Wan Arif Junaidi-Yap Roy King will find themselves playing a "match of extra interest" in their World Championships debut tomorrow.
The world No. 22 Malaysians will meet Japan's world No. 34 Kenya Mitsuhashi-Hiroki Okamura, who, incidentally, are coached by Malaysian Lee Wan Wah. Arif-Roy King, who won the Macau Open three weeks ago, are coached by Indonesian Herry IP.
The other Malaysian players will only see World Championships action on Tuesday and Wednesday.
