KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Zii Jia's High Court legal dispute with his family should not derail him from rebuilding his career, former international Ong Ewe Hock said.
The advice follows Zii Jia's application for an interim injunction against his father, Lee Chee Hin, sister Lee Zii Yii, and brother Lee Tao.Zii Jia, who holds a 90 per cent stake in his family-run LZJ Management Sdn Bhd, is seeking to bar his relatives from approving financial benefits for themselves or making key corporate decisions without court approval.
However, Ewe Hock urged the world No. 42 to keep his focus squarely on the court after an encouraging run to the semi-finals at the Super 500 Arctic Open in Vantaa, Finland.
"Put aside personal issues and just focus on his career," said Ewe Hock.
Ewe Hock believes the independent shuttler has turned a corner after defeating French world No. 4 Christo Popov in straight games before battling for 87 minutes in a semi-final loss to eventual winner Anders Antonsen.
The former three-time Malaysia Open champion said he had not seen Zii Jia play with such intensity and focus in recent times, adding that similar performances could end his title drought since the 2024 Australian Open and secure qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
"I believe Zii Jia is playing with confidence," said Ewe Hock.
"The high level of intensity and temperament were missing from his game, and that was good to see in Finland."
"His win against Popov was impressive, while playing close to 90 minutes against Antonsen points to improved physical condition.
"Zii Jia's standard has always been there. Now, if he continues with his form, he could soon win a title and qualify for the Olympics."
While acknowledging the unpredictable nature of men's singles, citing China's former world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi's injury struggles and current world No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn's recent revival, Ewe Hock said Zii Jia must build on his momentum.
"Zii Jia has had two years of injury issues," said Ewe Hock.
"Now he needs full focus and must push harder to achieve his goals."
Zii Jia's next competition will be the Hylo Open in Saarbrucken, scheduled for Oct 25-Nov 1.
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