PETALING JAYA – As preparations intensify for the upcoming Thomas Cup, Malaysian badminton star Soh Wooi Yik has expressed hope that his close friend and teammate, Lee Zii Jia, can regain his peak form. The sentiment comes as Zii Jia rejoins the national squad for training at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara, beginning Wednesday, April 1st.
Wooi Yik, currently ranked No. 2 in the world in men’s doubles alongside Aaron Chia, acknowledged concerns about Zii Jia’s recent performances but remains optimistic that a focused training block will benefit the singles player. “For now, I hope he finds his form again. I don’t know his training condition, but hopefully, he gets it back. He has the experience and the potential. I just hope for the best for him,” Wooi Yik said, according to reports.
Zii Jia’s return to the national setup is particularly significant as Malaysia aims to end its long wait for the Thomas Cup title, a feat last achieved in 1992. The team is currently finalizing its roster ahead of the April 10th registration deadline. The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is weighing its options for the remaining spots on the squad.
The past few months have presented challenges for Zii Jia. After showing promising signs earlier in the year – managing four consecutive tournament appearances without injury recurrence – inconsistency has plagued his results. His best finish in recent events was a quarter-final appearance at the Thailand Masters. He withdrew from the German Open in March before competing in the Swiss Open and Orleans Masters, where he experienced early exits.
Despite these recent setbacks, Zii Jia remains a crucial component of Malaysia’s Thomas Cup plans. Currently ranked No. 83 globally, he is projected to fill the third singles position, behind Leong Jun Hao (No. 23) and Justin Hoh (No. 40). The rankings, as of January 13, 2026, highlight the competitive landscape within the Malaysian team.
Wooi Yik also addressed recent speculation regarding his own future, stemming from a minor change to his Instagram bio that read “Pro Badminton Player.” He clarified that the update was simply a reflection of his professional status and did not indicate any intention to pursue an independent career path. “I experience there is nothing to answer there. That social media is my private space. I didn’t have any specific intentions. So, no comment on that. It’s not what people are saying. I just did what I felt like doing myself,” he explained.
Wooi Yik is currently under contract with the BAM until 2028, with a clear goal of contributing to a gold medal performance for Malaysia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He and partner Aaron Chia are currently preparing for the Asian Championships in Ningbo, China, scheduled to take place from April 7th to April 12th. This tournament will serve as a vital preparation ground for both players as they gear up for the challenges ahead.
The dynamic between Wooi Yik and Zii Jia extends beyond the badminton court, with the two players sharing a close friendship. Wooi Yik’s public support for Zii Jia underscores the team spirit within the Malaysian squad as they collectively strive for success on the international stage. The hope is that Zii Jia’s return to the ABM will provide a supportive environment for him to rediscover his confidence and contribute meaningfully to Malaysia’s Thomas Cup campaign.
For fans following the Malaysian team, the Asian Championships in Ningbo will be a key event to watch. It will offer a first glimpse of how Zii Jia integrates back into the national setup and whether he can recapture the form that once placed him among the world’s elite badminton players. The Thomas Cup, set to begin on April 24th, represents a significant opportunity for Malaysia to challenge for a title that has eluded them for over three decades.
Wooi Yik and Chia’s preparation for the Asian Championships is crucial, not only for their individual performance but also for setting a positive tone for the entire Malaysian team as they head into the Thomas Cup. The combination of experience and youthful talent within the squad offers a promising outlook for the tournament.
The return of Lee Zii Jia to the national fold adds another layer of intrigue to Malaysia’s Thomas Cup aspirations. Whether he can rediscover his best form remains to be seen, but the support of teammates like Soh Wooi Yik will undoubtedly play a vital role in his journey.
Next up for Wooi Yik and Aaron Chia is the Asian Championships in Ningbo, China, from April 7-12. Stay tuned to Archysport for updates on their performance and the latest news from the world of badminton.
