KUALA LUMPUR: The absence of professional men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia, who is currently sidelined with a long-term injury, has opened the door for other players to be considered for Malaysia’s Sudirman Cup squad.
With the tournament set to take place in Xiamen, China, from April 27 to May 4, the coaching panel and team management are looking at potential replacements to strengthen the team.
Leong Jun Hao is almost certain to make the cut, given his consistent performances at the highest level and his status as the second-highest-ranked Malaysian men’s singles player after Zii Jia at world No. 26. However, the selection of additional players remains uncertain.
One of the names being considered is Justin Hoh (pic), currently Malaysia’s third highest ranked men’s singles player at world No. 49.
Justin was also part of the national squad during the Asian Badminton Mixed Team Championships in Qingdao, China, in February.
However, the 20-year-old is leaving the decision to the coaching panel as his main focus for now is on the upcoming Asian Championships in Ningbo from April 8.
“I never even thought about this because my focus is on the Asian Championships. As for the Sudirman Cup, I’ll have to wait and see.
“If I’m selected, I will definitely give my best. But if not, I will continue training in preparation for the next tournament,” said Justin.
Apart from Justin, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) could also consider Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin, who has shown impressive consistency under coach Nova Armada. Aidil is currently ranked world No. 52, just three spots behind Justin.
Meanwhile, Ng Tze Yong’s form remains uncertain despite his upcoming return at the Asian Championships, marking his first major tournament in a year after recovering from a back injury.
Each country is allowed to register a maximum of 20 players for the Sudirman Cup squad.
In the previous edition held in Suzhou, China last year, Malaysia fielded two men’s singles players, Zii Jia and Tze Yong, who played key roles in securing the team’s bronze medal. Malaysia have been drawn in Group C alongside three-time runners-up Japan as well as Australia and France.
