Chong Wei revealed that Zii Jia had met him to get his view and advice before tendering his resignation letter to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and turning professional.
The three-time Olympic silver medallist said Zii Jia, the reigning All England champion, admitted to being unable to handle pressure.
“I do not know the level of pressure in the BAM now as I am no longer with them. There was definitely pressure on me the last time, but it’s different for everyone … some can take it, some can’t,” said Chong Wei.
“I used it to my advantage, to motivate myself to fight for the country. Different people, different ways.”
As someone considered an elder brother by Zii Jia, Chong Wei said he did not tell the 23-year-old to quit or stay with BAM as he did not want to influence his decision.
However, Chong Wei advised the world No 7 to hold talks to reach an agreement that would benefit both parties.
Chong Wei said that during his 19-year association with the national body, differences were resolved through discussions.
“There will always be moments when certain situations do not favour us, but we must learn to give and take … we may not be 100% right all the time,” he added.
On pressure in sports, Chong Wei said: “It’s not just me, Roger Federer and Tiger Woods too … it’s the same for all athletes. We have a better chance of reaching a higher level if we can handle the pressure.”
Meanwhile, another former world No 1, Roslin Hashim, described Zii Jia’s decision as bold.
“Surely he must have thought long and hard about it. I don’t think it’s a bad decision … we need to look at the big picture and figure out what’s causing this,” said Roslin.
Yesterday, BAM president Norza Zakaria confirmed Zii Jia had decided to quit the national body to become an independent player after tendering his resignation letter on Jan 11.
He said among the reasons cited by Zii Jia was he was not Chong Wei, inability to handle pressure and wanting to achieve his goals at his own space without (a life) that is constrained and regimented.
BAM are expected to announce their decision tomorrow.