Thursday October 25, 2012

Teck Zhi out to steal thunder from Joo Ven

PETALING JAYA: Soong Joo Ven is the more recognised face in the national badminton junior squad since making the final of the Asian Juniors back in July.

But he is not the only talented shuttler in the team. Another 17-year-old – Soo Teck Zhi – is now ready to come out of his more illustrious team-mate’s shadow and make a name for himself when the World Junior Championships begin in Chiba, Japan, today.

Teck Zhi, of Selangor, was supposed to have competed in the Asian Juniors but he was also picked for the Asean and Asian schools tournaments, which were compulsory for all Bukit Jalil Sports School students.

Although the lanky shuttler won both the tournaments, he did not derive much satisfaction from the achievements.

Now, Teck Zhi’s all fired up to make up for missing out on the Asian Juniors.

“I have no regrets about not competing in the Asian Juniors but I do feel a little sad because I trained so hard for it only to be told that I won’t be competing in it,” said Teck Zhi.

“But I told myself that there’s always next year since I’m only 17. Now I’m really inspired to play well in the World Juniors and I have been training really hard.

“It’s a little challenging for me because I still have to attend school and extra tuition classes to prepare for my SPM examinations.

“But I don’t intend to let it distract me. I have set myself a personal target of making the semi-finals, at least. Reaching the final will be even better, of course.”

Teck Zhi also admitted that Joo Ven is the more popular shuttler, thanks to his exploits.

“He (Joo Ven) has definitely been getting more attention since the Asian Juniors but it’s good for the team because it makes us more competitive,” said Teck Zhi.

Beside Teck Zhi and Joo Ven, the other singles shuttlers in the team are Tan Kian Meng and Chong Yee Han.

More News