WHEN a top athlete says something, fans expect him to honour it.
Former international Ong Ewe Hock has advised Lee Zii Jia to be careful when issuing statements in the future following his last-16 exit from the World Championships in Tokyo on Thursday.
Before the world meet, Zii Jia withdrew from Malaysia's Commonwealth Games squad to prepare for the World Championship and recover from a hip injury.
The shuttler also added he wanted to become the country's first world champion.
"Hopefully, Zii Jia has learned his lesson. He has to be careful when making statements.
"When a top athlete says something, people expect you to honour your words," said Ewe Hock today.
"If it is an injury, just say as it is, end of the story."
On Thursday, Zii Jia lost 2-19, 11-21, 21-19 to China's Zhao Jun Peng in the last 16.
"Based on the result, Zii Jia did not lose badly. In sports, there is always a winner and a loser, and Zii Jia was unfortunate to lose his match.
"I believe he will learn from this defeat and bounce back stronger.
"This is part of his learning curve. Let's not forget that he only became a professional about eight months ago. We should give him more time.
"He has a long journey ahead of him. And he has to keep going"
Ewe Hock also hopes Zii Jia will disregard negative comments on social media.
"It is normal for a national No 1 to be in the spotlight. I know he has a huge fan base. However, there are some who criticise him."
