Giantkiller: Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu celebrates after beating Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen in the Malaysian Open first round. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The global badminton stage could soon witness the rise of Hong Kong as a formidable contender, following their successful assembly of a impressive line-up of high-calibre coaches.
Within just less than three months, the Hong Kong Badminton Association have successfully secured the services of three Malaysian-born coaches, Loh Wei Sheng, Jeremy Gan, and Tan Bin Shen alongside China’s Wen Kai to work under the leadership of head coach Wong Choong Hann.
At first glance, the addition of Bin Shen and Jeremy appears to be a strategic move to strengthen Hong Kong’s men’s doubles squad, given that the team currently have a stronger foothold in men’s singles.
However, Choong Hann clarified that their focus is on overall development, marking this as a long-term project.
This means that Bin Shen and Jeremy will work together to oversee and train all three doubles disciplines, including mixed and women’s doubles.
Meanwhile, Wen Kai, who previously served as an assistant coach for China’s women’s singles team, will take charge of the ladies squad in Hong Kong.
“This is a long term plan focused on overall team development, not just on doubles,” said Choong Hann.
“Although the doubles coaches (Bin Shen and Jeremy) have more experience in men’s and mixed doubles, their deep understanding of the game makes them well equipped to handle all doubles disciplines.
“We believe they are capable of managing all categories, including women’s doubles, which is why we have them on board,” said Choong Hann.
However, Choong Hann remains cautious about setting his sights on team event tournaments like the Sudirman Cup on April 27 or next year’s Thomas and Uber Cup Finals in Horsens, Denmark as the efforts currently underway will require time to bear fruit.
That said, Choong Hann hinted at the potential of a few young Hong Kong players who were expected to shine in the future.
“I think we have a few rising players, but it’s still too early to talk about them. As you can see, the competition is very tight, and no one is always winning. There are so many superstars right now,” said Choong Hann.
“So, until the day they make their mark, there’s no point in revealing any names. Let the results speak for themselves, and only then will people start talking about them,” he added.
So far, Hong Kong’s men’s singles players have delivered impressive performances at Malaysian Open, with Lee Cheuk Yiu stunning Viktor Axelsen and Angus Ng Ka Long staging a comeback victory against China’s Weng Hongyang to advance to the second round.
However, mixed doubles pair Tang Chun Man-Ng Tsz Yau failed to follow in their footsteps after losing to Yang Po-hsuan-Hu Ling-fang of Taiwan, while the women’s doubles duo Fan Ka Yan-Yau Mau Ying were defeated by fourth seeds Li Yijing-Luo Xumin of China.
