PETALING JAYA: Shuttler Cheam June Wei (pic) is shaping up well for the Asian Games in Hangzhou from Sept 23-Oct 8.
Indonesian coach Nova Armada is pleased with the independent men’s singles player’s preparations for what will be his maiden Asiad.
June Wei, who is currently the fourth ranked men’s singles shuttler in the country at No. 47 in the world, has been selected for the men’s team event along with Lee Zii Jia (No. 14), Ng Tze Yong (No. 22) and Leong Jun Hao (No. 46).
“June Wei’s preparations so far have been very good. His physical condition is also good,” said Nova.
“He has been joining sparring sessions often at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara lately and this has been really helpful.’’
June Wei will likely be vying with Jun Hao for the right to play in the third singles.
Nova is hoping for a good showing from June Wei if he is selected to play.
“He could likely be called upon as the third singles where he will be tasked with delivering the decisive fifth point for the team should the tie go down to the wire,” said Nova.
“It will be good if he can win and help the team reach the next round.”
June Wei is out to improve on his underwhelming performances so far this year.
The 26-year-old has suffered early round exits in all his tournaments this year and is in desperate need of a morale-boosting show.
June Wei is also running out of time to make the cut for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Only two players from the same country can earn spots in the Olympics provided both are ranked in the top 16 by the end of the qualifying period at the end of April next year.
Before the Asiad, June Wei will be competing in the back-to-back Indonesian Masters from Sept 5-9 and the Hong Kong Open from Sept 12-17.
