Sports

Saturday March 31, 2007

Badminton: Duo switch camp to train with Misbun

By RAJES PAUL

KUALA LUMPUR: National men’s singles shuttlers Lee Chong Wei and Kuan Beng Hong have split up with their coach Wong Tat Meng to train under national coach Misbun Sidek.

Yesterday, the Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) chief coach Yap Kim Hock confirmed that Chong Wei and Beng Hong would train with Misbun in a bid to revive their flagging careers.

The two players decided on the change after their poor outings in the back-to-back All-England and Swiss Open recently.

Briefing: BAM general manager Kenny Goh explaining the reasons for Lee Chong Wei’s move to train under Misbun Sidek at the Stadium Juara in Bukit Kiara yesterday.
Yesterday, national champion and world No. 4 Chong Wei began his first day of training with Misbun at the Stadium Juara in Bukit Kiara. Beng Hong will join him on Monday.

It is the second time this year that Chong Wei and Beng Hong will have a “new” coach. In February, China’s Li Mao left in a huff after signing to join the Korean BA and his place was taken over by Tat Meng.

Chong Wei and Beng Hong were under Misbun’s guidance for two years before Li Mao took over in 2005.

With the inclusion of Chong Wei and Beng Hong, Misbun will have seven players under his wings. The others are Mohd Hafiz Hashim and four juniors – Chan Kwong Beng, Lok Chong Chieh, Zairul Hafiz Zainuddin and Syed Akhbar Mustakim.

Kim Hock said that all those involved were informed of the changes on Thursday.

“Chong Wei and Beng Hong’s inconsistent performances have been a concern for us. The players have asked for a change and the coaches and management have agreed. The duo are confident that they can raise their game under Misbun,” said Kim Hock.

“Both have been with Misbun before. Tat Meng has not taken this decision as a major setback. He too wants the best for these players. He will continue training the others, including Wong Choong Hann.”

The 25-year-old Chong Wei, who spent two hours in training with his new coach yesterday, is hoping to regain his old form.

“I was not a top player when I first joined Misbun (in 2003). Under him, I rose to become a top player in the world. Li Mao further strengthened my skills. Now, I am down again and I hope my form will take flight under him (Misbun),” said Chong Wei.

The Penangite broke into the top 10 for the first time and his reign as the national No.1 also began under the guidance of Misbun.

“I initiated the move not because Tat Meng is not good. He has his own speciality and he has done well by utilising Li Mao’s programme for us,” he said.

“But I feel that Misbun can bring the sting back in my game again. He knows the old Chong Wei well.

“He can help polish up my attacking skills, especially at the front of the court. Those skills used to strike fear in my opponents.

“Hopefully, with this new arrangement, I will get back on track in my preparation for the World Championships (at Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil from Aug 13-19).”

Chong Wei’s immediate plan is to regain his confidence by doing well at the Asian Badminton Championships (ABC) in Johor Baru from April 10-15.

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