PETALING JAYA: Can untested Jacky Kok (pic) deliver the goods in the SEA Games?
National singles coaching director Wong Choong Hann believes so as he has named Jacky as the replacement for an injured Justin Hoh yesterday for the biennial Games in Cambodia from May 5-17.
Fast-rising Justin, the world No. 54, was expected to shoulder Malaysia’s hopes at the Cambodia Games with world No. 64 Leong Jun Hao but the former ruptured his left Achilles tendon during training a few days ago.
World No. 156 Jacky, who does not have any significant result prior to his selection, has been named ahead of Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin, ranked 85th in the world, due to his diligence in training.
“Jacky has given a good account of himself in training. This is the best opportunity for him to step up and rise to the occasion,” said Choong Hann of his selection.
The other singles shuttler selected for Malaysia’s challenge in Cambodia are world No. 95 Lee Shun Yang and Ong Ken Yon (104). Malaysia, who have named second stringers for the SEA Games, face a tough challenge as powerhouse Indonesia are sending a mix of seniors and juniors in their quest to win four of the seven golds at stake.
Indonesia will rely on Chico Aura (No. 18) and Shesar Hiren (No. 27) to battle for the singles gold while Christian Adinata (No. 80) and newcomer Alwi Farhan (No. 90) have been included for the team event.
Jun Hao has been showing some decent form of late and his victory over Swiss Open champion Koki Watanabe (No. 33) to reach the Orleans Open quarter-finals in France last week should raise his confidence ahead of the SEA Games.
The doubles players for the men’s team are Beh Chun Meng, Goh Boon Sze, Chia Weijie, Liew Xun, Choong Hon Jian and Yap Roy King.
The women’s team will be made up of Siti Nurshuhaini Azman, Tan Zhing Yi, Wong Ling Ching and Ong Xin Yee (singles) and Cheng Su Hui, Cheng Su Yin, Valeree Siow, Low Yeen Yuan, Lee Xin Jie, Go Pei Kee and Yap Ling (doubles).
Malaysia won the mixed doubles gold through Chen Tang Jie-Peck Yen Wei in Hanoi last year after beating teammates Hoo Pang Ron-Toh Ee Wei in the final.
