Singles’ fiery motivation


Fighting hard: Justin Hoh will feature for Malaysia in the Asia Mixed Team Championships next month.

KUALA LUMPUR: The singles players should not feel too comfortable relying on the doubles players to secure points during the Asia Mixed Team Championships, set to take place from Feb 11-16 in Qingdao, China.

Based on the line-up announced by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) for the biennial tournament, the country’s back up squads – particularly the doubles shuttlers, remain formidable.

The men’s doubles team feature newly crowned Indonesia Masters champions Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, along with Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi, who are ranked 17th in the world.

Singles head coach Kenneth Jonassen is confident that the singles players also have the fire and determination to contribute points for the team.

“I think it’s natural for all singles players to want to prove themselves. So, I don’t think they feel like they can just rely on others. As a player, you go out there wanting to perform at your absolute best,” he said. “If you can score even one point for the team, I believe everyone shares the same mindset. Nobody likes losing, so when players step onto the court, their focus is on finding a way to win, that’s what matters most to them.

“Of course, it’s great to have strong players in every category, but in team events, anything can happen.

“Sometimes the favourites lose, and the underdogs win.

British degree excellence at home

“Our goal is to perform at our highest level the moment we step onto the court and hear our name called.

“That would be absolutely fantastic,” said Jonassen.

The men’s singles line-up will be led by Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh, while Wong Li Ching and K. Letshanaa will carry the nation’s hopes in the women’s singles.

The mixed doubles squad are strengthened by Malaysia’s professional pairs Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie and Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin.

The tournament serves as the qualifier for the Sudirman Cup, which will take place in Xiamen, China, from April 27 to May 4.

The top four teams in this tournament will automatically secure a spot in the Sudirman Cup. However, for Malaysia, regardless of the outcome, the team are still in a strong position to qualify based on their current world ranking of No. 5.

Nevertheless, Jonassen expects the players to give their best performances as they prepare to face Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Kazakhstan in Group B.

“Malaysia have already qualified for the Sudirman Cup based on our ranking, so this tournament offers players like Jun Hao and Justin the opportunity to further develop their game.”

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Others Also Read


All Headlines:

Want to listen to full audio?

Unlock unlimited access to enjoy personalise features on the TheStar.com.my

Already a member? Log In