BANGKOK: Former World No 1 Lee Chong Wei believes youngsters Lee Zii Jia and Leong Jun Hao will come good in the future following their fine performances at the Thomas Cup.
Chong Wei, who delivered Malaysia's first point in Thursday’s quarter-finals against Indonesia with a 21-19, 21-16 win over Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, said: "I think both Zii Jia and Jun Hao have done well here.
"If they can maintain this form then it is really good for them. Nowadays, age is just a number, look around and you will see that some of the world's best are young players.
"I hope the Thomas Cup would encourage these young players to give their best. I was just like them once, having to play against seniors like Wong Choong Hann, Ismail Samad and Sairul (Amar Ayob) to earn my place in the team.
"It's good to know that they are coming up, hopefully more will be encouraged by them too," said Chong Wei.
Indonesia levelled the tie when World No 1 Marcus Fernaldi Gideon-Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo edged Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong 21-19, 20-22, 21-13 in the doubles.
In the second singles match, Jonatan Christie overcame a nerves Zii Jia 21-15, 11-21, 21-13 to earn Indonesia’s second point.