Monday February 26, 2007
By RAJES PAUL
PETALING JAYA: In his heyday, veteran Wong Choong Hann beat all the Chinese players. All but one – Lin Dan.
And where he failed all those years ago, Choong Hann is hoping to succeed at the age of 30.
The Chinese is the top seed in the men's singles event of the German Open, which will begin on Wednesday in Mulheim, Germany.
Choong Hann left yesterday for the US$80,000 tournament, determined to set-up a match against Lin Dan. They have been drawn to meet in the quarter-finals.
Desperate: Wong Choong Hann hopes to beat Lin Dan (inset) if they meet in the German Open.“Based on the draw, I should make it into the last eight. I have not beaten Lin Dan yet. I lost to him at the last year's All-England. I have not met him since,” said Choong Hann, who faces Raul Must of Spain in the first round.
A win for the first time in six meetings against Lin Dan will certainly be a big boost for Choong Hann in his bid to make the cut for the World Championships, which will be held at Putra Stadium, from Aug 13-19.
“It has been a while since I pulled off a big win. Hopefully, I will be able to upset Lin Dan – if I get to play him. He is the only Chinese player that I have yet to beat,” he added.
Choong Hann has beaten Chen Jin once in three meetings; he has a 2-2 record against Chen Hong; has won two of his six meetings with Bao Chunlai; and has a good record of 6-2 against Chen Yu.
A good showing in the German Open and the next week's All-England, the third leg of the Super Series, will certainly help to improve his world ranking. He is currently ranked 72nd.
Lin Dan, who rebounded quickly from a second round exit in the Malaysian Open to win the Korean Open a week later last month, will likely meet another Malaysian - Mohd Roslin Hashim - in the third round.
The other men singles players in the main draw fray are Lee Tsuen Seng, Tan Chun Seang, K. Yogendran and Sairul Amar Ayob. Five others – Liew Daren, Beryno Wong, Lim Kenn, Mohd Arif Abdul Latif and Vountus Indra Mawan – will begin their campaign in the qualifying tournament on Tuesday.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Friday, February 16, 2007
Badminton: Rashid cool despite being overlooked16 Feb 2007
AS a player, Rashid Sidek always wanted to work with coaches he was comfortable with, so he fully agrees with the BA of Malaysia’s decision to appoint Wong Tat Meng as the national singles chief coach.BAM left it to the players to decide and all opted for Tat Meng, who served as outgoing chief coach Li Mao’s assistant for the last two years.Rashid and brother Misbun were the frontrunners for the post, with Rashid expected to swing it as his work with the Project 2010-2012 squad has received rave reviews. But the players decided otherwise."It does not matter who heads the national team as long as he can do his job well. The players have put their faith in Tat Meng and it is only fair that he is given the job."The main criteria before deciding on a coach is to make sure the players are comfortable with the candidate and it was Tat Meng who the shuttlers wanted," said Rashid yesterday.A bronze medallist in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Rashid said he was more interested in the other decisions BAM had made on Wednesday."My objective now is to make sure that my players are given the chance to compete in the super series and grand prix events as they have shown improvement."BAM will be sending them to the German and Swiss Opens and I hope this will continue."The joint training sessions with the seniors will also benefit them and I’m looking forward to seeing them train with the seniors on a regular basis."Rashid has six men’s singles players — Tan Chun Seang, Lim Kenn, Liew Daren, Chong Wei Feng, Beryno Wong and Chong Li Qun — and four women’s singles players — Julia Wong, Anita Raj, Norsyahliza Baharum and Ooi Swee Wenn — under his guidance. He is assisted by Tey Siu Bock.Julia stands out among them as she finished runner-up in the four-star Phillipines Open last year, won the Sri Lankan satellite and has the distinction of beating World No 5 Yao Jie of the Netherlands, World No 8 Xu Huaiwen of Germany and World No 11 Kaori Mori of Japan since last June. She is currently ranked World No 22.Lim Kenn was the first player from the project squad to beat a national player, Lee Tsuen Seng, in the Malaysian satellite last year which forced the latter to quit the national squad, and won the Sri Lankan satellite beating Chun Seang last November.Daren also beat a national player when he outplayed Kuan Beng Hong in the National Grand Prix Finals in Kuala Terengganu last week.Chun Seang, despite not winning any title, has been more consistent and is ranked 56th, which is higher than seniors K. Yogendran (61st) and James Chua (169).Chun Seang, Lim Kenn, Daren and Beryno will be competing alongside Wong Choong Hann and Yogendran in the German Open, a grand prix event, in Mulheim on Feb 27-March 4, and will also compete in the qualifying rounds of the All-England on March 6-11. The squad’s pairs Khoo Chung Chiat-Razif Latif and Chan Peng Soon-Chang Hun Pin and women’s pair Haw Chiou Hwee-Lim Yin Loo will also compete in both tournaments.Julia will be competing in the All-England and Swiss Open on March 13-18 while Anita will play in the German Open and the All-England.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Time for the BAM to discard unproductive seniors
By RAJES PAUL
KUALA TERENGGANU: A change of guard is set to take place in the men’s singles department of the national team following insipid performances by several senior shuttlers in the Proton National Grand Prix Finals, which ended here on Sunday.
The end is nigh for James Chua, K. Yogendran and Yeoh Kay Bin and players from the Project 2010-12 squad are set to make their breakthrough into the national team.
James’ tame 24-minute defeat by Lee Chong Wei in the semi-finals showed that he is no longer up to the mark while Yogendran hardly showed any substance in his defeat by Mohd Hafiz Hashim.
A hardworking Kay Bin, who has been in the national team for almost a decade, was down with fever and lost to James in the semi-finals. But he also does not have any good results to stake a claim for a longer stay in the national team.
Waiting in the wings: Tan Chun Seang and Lim Kenn (below, right) are some of the Project 2010-12 players on the verge of joining the national senior team.In fact, even Kuan Beng Hong’s position in the national team hangs in the balance. He was beaten by back-up shuttler Liew Daren and immediately withdrew from the Finals because of fever.
It is time for the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to rope in the back-up players. By concentrating on them, at least, there is some hope for the future. If at all the BAM want to retain the seniors, they could be hired as sparring partners.
The Project squad’s chief coach, Rashid Sidek, said that some of his players were on the verge of joining the national team.
Among them are Tan Chun Seang, Lim Kenn, Liew Daren, Choong Wei Feng, Beryno Wong, Chong Li Qun, Teo Kok Seng and Mohd Hafiz Shaharudin.
“I have decided to send some of the players to Misbun (Sidek). Currently, he (Misbun ) has only one player (Mohd Hafiz Hashim) under his charge,” said Rashid.
“It will be good for these back-up players to be groomed by Misbun. After all, Misbun prefers to coach youngsters. It is time to push these back-up players. Having them in the national team will help raise their standards as they will get more opportunities to compete.”
While changes are expected to take place, Malaysia’s hopes for honours in international tournaments this year will still rest on the shoulders of five-time national champion Lee Chong Wei, Hafiz and Wong Choong Hann.
Hafiz showed some of his good attacking shots and aggression even though he lost to Chong Wei in the final. And it augurs well for Hafiz, who is determined to lift his game to a higher level this year.
KUALA TERENGGANU: A change of guard is set to take place in the men’s singles department of the national team following insipid performances by several senior shuttlers in the Proton National Grand Prix Finals, which ended here on Sunday.
The end is nigh for James Chua, K. Yogendran and Yeoh Kay Bin and players from the Project 2010-12 squad are set to make their breakthrough into the national team.
James’ tame 24-minute defeat by Lee Chong Wei in the semi-finals showed that he is no longer up to the mark while Yogendran hardly showed any substance in his defeat by Mohd Hafiz Hashim.
A hardworking Kay Bin, who has been in the national team for almost a decade, was down with fever and lost to James in the semi-finals. But he also does not have any good results to stake a claim for a longer stay in the national team.
Waiting in the wings: Tan Chun Seang and Lim Kenn (below, right) are some of the Project 2010-12 players on the verge of joining the national senior team.In fact, even Kuan Beng Hong’s position in the national team hangs in the balance. He was beaten by back-up shuttler Liew Daren and immediately withdrew from the Finals because of fever.
It is time for the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to rope in the back-up players. By concentrating on them, at least, there is some hope for the future. If at all the BAM want to retain the seniors, they could be hired as sparring partners.
The Project squad’s chief coach, Rashid Sidek, said that some of his players were on the verge of joining the national team.
Among them are Tan Chun Seang, Lim Kenn, Liew Daren, Choong Wei Feng, Beryno Wong, Chong Li Qun, Teo Kok Seng and Mohd Hafiz Shaharudin.
“I have decided to send some of the players to Misbun (Sidek). Currently, he (Misbun ) has only one player (Mohd Hafiz Hashim) under his charge,” said Rashid.
“It will be good for these back-up players to be groomed by Misbun. After all, Misbun prefers to coach youngsters. It is time to push these back-up players. Having them in the national team will help raise their standards as they will get more opportunities to compete.”
While changes are expected to take place, Malaysia’s hopes for honours in international tournaments this year will still rest on the shoulders of five-time national champion Lee Chong Wei, Hafiz and Wong Choong Hann.
Hafiz showed some of his good attacking shots and aggression even though he lost to Chong Wei in the final. And it augurs well for Hafiz, who is determined to lift his game to a higher level this year.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Rashid unhappy with ding-dong display
KUALA TERENGGANU: There was one upset pulled of by the men's back-up squad players in the Proton National Grand Prix Finals but for coach Rashid Sidek, the outing was still a big disappointment.
On Thursday, 20-year-old Liew Daren turned the tables on Kuan Beng Hong, who eventually withdrew from the tournament due to fever, in a group match.
But a day after the big win, Liew went down to Bukit Jalil Sports School's (BJSS) Lim Fang Yang.
Besides Liew Daren, the others – Chong Wei Feng, Lim Kenn and Chong Li Qun – were also eliminated from the tournament.
Their performances were inconsistent.
Rashid said he was disappointed with the lack of mental strength among the youngsters.
“I was not impressed with any one of them. After winning against Beng Hong, Daren lacked confidence and lost to Fang Yang. The others played well but put undue pressure on themselves,” said Rashid.
“Their main weakness is their lack of the mental strength. They show great commitment in training but I do not see the same fire in them during competition. Now, I have to keep on motivating them to be brave on the court,” he said.
Rashid said the men's singles players would now be heading for the German Open and Bahrain Satellite.
Those making the trip to Germany are Daren, Lim Kenn, Tan Chun Seang and Beryno Wong while Wei Feng and Li Qun will head to Bahrain.
On Thursday, 20-year-old Liew Daren turned the tables on Kuan Beng Hong, who eventually withdrew from the tournament due to fever, in a group match.
But a day after the big win, Liew went down to Bukit Jalil Sports School's (BJSS) Lim Fang Yang.
Besides Liew Daren, the others – Chong Wei Feng, Lim Kenn and Chong Li Qun – were also eliminated from the tournament.
Their performances were inconsistent.
Rashid said he was disappointed with the lack of mental strength among the youngsters.
“I was not impressed with any one of them. After winning against Beng Hong, Daren lacked confidence and lost to Fang Yang. The others played well but put undue pressure on themselves,” said Rashid.
“Their main weakness is their lack of the mental strength. They show great commitment in training but I do not see the same fire in them during competition. Now, I have to keep on motivating them to be brave on the court,” he said.
Rashid said the men's singles players would now be heading for the German Open and Bahrain Satellite.
Those making the trip to Germany are Daren, Lim Kenn, Tan Chun Seang and Beryno Wong while Wei Feng and Li Qun will head to Bahrain.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Badminton: Rashid wants joint training
RASHID Sidek, strongly tipped to take over as the men’s singles coach from Li Mao whose contract is expired, has requested that the national senior squad and the 2010-2012 Project players train together if the BA of Malaysia (BAM) wants results to improve.Rashid, who currently heads the 2010-2012 Project whose players train at Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara, said joint training is the only way he can assume full responsbility as the singles coach. He says he can concentrate on a few shuttlers from the Project squad and also focus on the seniors, if they train together.Players like Lim Kenn, Tan Chun Seang and Liew Darren train under Rashid, and they will likely to be joined by Lee Chong Wei, Wong Choong Hann and Kuan Beng Hong when BAM hand (singles) coaching duties to the former Olympic bronze medallist. Wong Tat Meng is the caretaker coach for the seniors but Rashid’s vast international experience will be invaluable in helping the national shuttlers who are preparing for August’s World Championships in Kuala Lumpur, and the Beijing Olympics next year."I have no objections in assuming the responsibilities of a singles coach but the current working order has to change. I cannot abandon the 2010-2012 Project as it will be infair to my players," said Rashid."However, joint-training will benefit everyone. The back-up players will give their 100 percent as they can use this opportunity to make a strong impact on the international scene, while the seniors will also receive quality sparring sessions from playing against their younger compatriots."We will have a win-win situation. I do not have to take charge of all the 13 players (in joint-training) as Tat Meng can focus on a few players, while Misbun (Sidek) can also take charge of some as presently he only has Hafiz Hashim under him."If the current situation persists, it will be very difficult as my players train in Bukit Kiara while the national team do so at Bukit Jalil." There are seven players — Chong Wei, Choong Hann, Hafiz, Beng Hong, Yeoh Kay Bin, K. Yogendran and James Chua — in the national senior singles, while the Project squad has Lim Kenn, Chun Seang, Liew Darren, Chong Wei Feng, Chong Li Qun and Beryno Wong.Rashid also coaches women’s singles players Julia Wong, Anita Raj and Norsyahliza Baharum with Tey Siu Bock as his assistant.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Ng Paou Ling Makes It To The National GP Finals!
PETALING JAYA: With veteran doubles pair of Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah not among the qualifiers for the Proton National Grand Prix Finals, the spotlight will be on Doha Asian Games gold medallists Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong in the tournament in Kuala Terengganu from Feb 8-11.
With the third leg of the Super Series, the All-England only taking place next month, the top national shuttlers will focus their attention on the Finals before taking a break for the Chinese New Year.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong have produced sensational results on the international stage since they forged a partnership for the Japan Open late last year. They emerged as the runners-up and went on to end a 36-year gold drought for Malaysia in the Asiad badminton in Doha last December.
And in the opening round of the inaugural Super Series, the Malaysian Open, they went all the way from the qualifying tournament to lift the title. In last week's Korean Open, they reached the semi-finals.
Being the best performing pair in the national team over the last three months, Kien Keat-Boon Heong will start as the favourites to become the new national champions and secure an early ang pow for the Chinese New Year.
For Kien Keat, he will be bidding to win the national title for the third time. He won it, partnering Chan Chong Ming, in 2004 and 2005.
However, Kien Keat-Boon Heong can expect stiff challenges from their teammates in the battle for the RM11,000 winners' purse.
They have been drawn in Group A with defending champions Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Lin Woon Fui, Khoo Chung Chiat-Mohd Razif Latif and Ong Jian Guo-Goh Wei Shem.
Group B will also see close fights for semi-final spots. It comprises Kuala Lumpur Open champions Chan Chong Ming-Hoon Thien How, Gan Teik Chai-Mohd Zakry Latif and Tan Bin Shen-Ong Soon Hock and Bukit Jalil Sports School's Lim Khim Wah-Mak Hee Chun.
National chief coach Yap Kim Hock said: “The standards are close among the national pairs. Kien Keat-Boon Heong may be the favourites but it will not be easy for them. It is going to be interesting to see who emerge as the winners this time.”
At the Kuala Lumpur Open, Kien Keat-Boon Heong were beaten by Fairuzizuan-Woon Fui in the semi-finals.
Lee Chong Wei will also be in the spotlight in Kuala Terengganu. He will be bidding to win the men's singles crown for the fifth consecutive time.
Chong Wei should have no problem advancing to the semi-finals from Group A and he is expected to play against Group C top seed Yeoh Kay Bin for a place in the final.
An interesting fight is in store in Group B between Kuan Beng Hong and Wong Choong Hann for a place in the semi-finals. The winner is likely to play against Mohd Hafiz Hashim.
MEN'S SINGLES
Group A: Lee Chong Wei, Chong Li Qun, Azrihanif Azahar, Kuan Kam Chung.
Group B: Yeoh Kay Bin, James Chua, Chong Wei Feng, Teo Kok Siang.
Group C: Kuan Beng Hong, Wong Choong Hann, Liew Darren, Lim Fang Yang.
Group D: Mohd Hafiz Hashim, K. Yogendran, Lim Kenn, Zairul Hafiz Zainuddin.
WOMEN' SINGLES
Group A: Wong Mew Choo, Vivian Hoo, Ooi Swee Wenn, Sanatasah Saniru.
Group B: Julia Wong, Lydia Cheah, Stephanie Shalini, Tiffany Chase Currier.
MEN'S DOUBLES
Group A: Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Lin Woon Fui, Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, Khoo Chung Chiat-Mohd Razif Latif, Ong Jian Guo-Goh Wei Shem.
Group A: Gan Teik Chai-Mohd Zakry Latif, Chan Chong Ming-Hoon Thien How, Tan Bin Shen-Ong Soon Hock, Lim Khim Wah-Mak Hee Chun.
WOMEN'S DOUBLES
Group A: Chin Eei Hui-Wong Pei Tty, Lydia Cheah-Woon Khe Wei, Ooi Sock Ai-Ooi Yu Hang, Goh Liu Ying-Ho Bee Ling.
Group B: Fong Chew Yen-See Phui Leng, Julia Wong-Haw Chiou Hwee, Tee Jing Yi-Vivian Hoo, Lim Yee Theng-Ng Paou Ling.
MIXED DOUBLES
Group A: Koo Kien Keat-Wong Pei Tty, Mohd Zakry Latif-Ooi Sock Ai, Chan Peng Soon-Lim Yin Loo, Mak Hee Chun-Sanatasah Saniru.
Group B: Gan Teik Chai-Fong Chew Yen, Tan Bin Shen-Ooi Yu Hang, Khoo Chung Chiat-Haw Chiou Hwee, Lim Khim Wah-Goh Liu Ying.
With the third leg of the Super Series, the All-England only taking place next month, the top national shuttlers will focus their attention on the Finals before taking a break for the Chinese New Year.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong have produced sensational results on the international stage since they forged a partnership for the Japan Open late last year. They emerged as the runners-up and went on to end a 36-year gold drought for Malaysia in the Asiad badminton in Doha last December.
And in the opening round of the inaugural Super Series, the Malaysian Open, they went all the way from the qualifying tournament to lift the title. In last week's Korean Open, they reached the semi-finals.
Being the best performing pair in the national team over the last three months, Kien Keat-Boon Heong will start as the favourites to become the new national champions and secure an early ang pow for the Chinese New Year.
For Kien Keat, he will be bidding to win the national title for the third time. He won it, partnering Chan Chong Ming, in 2004 and 2005.
However, Kien Keat-Boon Heong can expect stiff challenges from their teammates in the battle for the RM11,000 winners' purse.
They have been drawn in Group A with defending champions Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Lin Woon Fui, Khoo Chung Chiat-Mohd Razif Latif and Ong Jian Guo-Goh Wei Shem.
Group B will also see close fights for semi-final spots. It comprises Kuala Lumpur Open champions Chan Chong Ming-Hoon Thien How, Gan Teik Chai-Mohd Zakry Latif and Tan Bin Shen-Ong Soon Hock and Bukit Jalil Sports School's Lim Khim Wah-Mak Hee Chun.
National chief coach Yap Kim Hock said: “The standards are close among the national pairs. Kien Keat-Boon Heong may be the favourites but it will not be easy for them. It is going to be interesting to see who emerge as the winners this time.”
At the Kuala Lumpur Open, Kien Keat-Boon Heong were beaten by Fairuzizuan-Woon Fui in the semi-finals.
Lee Chong Wei will also be in the spotlight in Kuala Terengganu. He will be bidding to win the men's singles crown for the fifth consecutive time.
Chong Wei should have no problem advancing to the semi-finals from Group A and he is expected to play against Group C top seed Yeoh Kay Bin for a place in the final.
An interesting fight is in store in Group B between Kuan Beng Hong and Wong Choong Hann for a place in the semi-finals. The winner is likely to play against Mohd Hafiz Hashim.
MEN'S SINGLES
Group A: Lee Chong Wei, Chong Li Qun, Azrihanif Azahar, Kuan Kam Chung.
Group B: Yeoh Kay Bin, James Chua, Chong Wei Feng, Teo Kok Siang.
Group C: Kuan Beng Hong, Wong Choong Hann, Liew Darren, Lim Fang Yang.
Group D: Mohd Hafiz Hashim, K. Yogendran, Lim Kenn, Zairul Hafiz Zainuddin.
WOMEN' SINGLES
Group A: Wong Mew Choo, Vivian Hoo, Ooi Swee Wenn, Sanatasah Saniru.
Group B: Julia Wong, Lydia Cheah, Stephanie Shalini, Tiffany Chase Currier.
MEN'S DOUBLES
Group A: Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Lin Woon Fui, Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, Khoo Chung Chiat-Mohd Razif Latif, Ong Jian Guo-Goh Wei Shem.
Group A: Gan Teik Chai-Mohd Zakry Latif, Chan Chong Ming-Hoon Thien How, Tan Bin Shen-Ong Soon Hock, Lim Khim Wah-Mak Hee Chun.
WOMEN'S DOUBLES
Group A: Chin Eei Hui-Wong Pei Tty, Lydia Cheah-Woon Khe Wei, Ooi Sock Ai-Ooi Yu Hang, Goh Liu Ying-Ho Bee Ling.
Group B: Fong Chew Yen-See Phui Leng, Julia Wong-Haw Chiou Hwee, Tee Jing Yi-Vivian Hoo, Lim Yee Theng-Ng Paou Ling.
MIXED DOUBLES
Group A: Koo Kien Keat-Wong Pei Tty, Mohd Zakry Latif-Ooi Sock Ai, Chan Peng Soon-Lim Yin Loo, Mak Hee Chun-Sanatasah Saniru.
Group B: Gan Teik Chai-Fong Chew Yen, Tan Bin Shen-Ooi Yu Hang, Khoo Chung Chiat-Haw Chiou Hwee, Lim Khim Wah-Goh Liu Ying.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Beng Hong has no fear of the juniors
Sunday January 7, 2007
PETALING JAYA: National men's singles shuttler Kuan Beng Hong is in no rush to be among the world's best. In fact, he's not even thinking about being the country's best.
He knows that none of the back-up players are even close to his standard.
National singles coach Li Mao has targeted Beng Hong to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games but the 24-year-old player is not too worried about missing out. He knows his place in the national team will not be jeopardised.
“My coach (Li Mao) has high hopes. But it is a tall order for me, especially now that I am not very confident about my game,” said Beng Hong.
“But I’m working hard in training. Hopefully, I will be able to achieve a breakthrough in one of three tournaments – the Malaysian Open (Jan 16-21), Korean Open (Jan 23-28) and the All-England (March 6-11). That would help me enter the Olympic qualifying period with more confidence.”
The Olympic qualifying season begins in May.
While Beng Hong is hard-pressed to psyche himself up, the absence of juniors and peers to keep him on his toes is fast becoming another problem.
“I will be back to training even if I do not make the cut for the Olympics. I will be concentrating on other tournaments,” he said.
“It is just unfortunate that there is no pressure from the juniors right now. For the time being, my place in the national team is safe.”
Beng Hong, who is ranked 31st in the world, said there was a big gap in standards between the seniors and the second team.
“It was different when I was in the back-up team. We trained with the seniors and had match practice every week.
“Our back-up players now train on their own. They only get a chance to rub shoulders with the seniors during the local circuit. And last year, we had only two legs of the circuit!
“I’m not looking down on them but their standard is low now,” added Beng Hong.
The back-up singles players under the Project 2010-12 are Chong Wei Feng, Tan Chun Seang, Azrihanif Azahar, Lim Kenn, Mohd Syafiq Jamaluddin, Liew Daren, Chong Li Qun and Beryno Wong.
The seniors train in Bukit Jalil while the back-up players are based at the Stadium Juara in Bukit Kiara.
PETALING JAYA: National men's singles shuttler Kuan Beng Hong is in no rush to be among the world's best. In fact, he's not even thinking about being the country's best.
He knows that none of the back-up players are even close to his standard.
National singles coach Li Mao has targeted Beng Hong to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games but the 24-year-old player is not too worried about missing out. He knows his place in the national team will not be jeopardised.
“My coach (Li Mao) has high hopes. But it is a tall order for me, especially now that I am not very confident about my game,” said Beng Hong.
“But I’m working hard in training. Hopefully, I will be able to achieve a breakthrough in one of three tournaments – the Malaysian Open (Jan 16-21), Korean Open (Jan 23-28) and the All-England (March 6-11). That would help me enter the Olympic qualifying period with more confidence.”
The Olympic qualifying season begins in May.
While Beng Hong is hard-pressed to psyche himself up, the absence of juniors and peers to keep him on his toes is fast becoming another problem.
“I will be back to training even if I do not make the cut for the Olympics. I will be concentrating on other tournaments,” he said.
“It is just unfortunate that there is no pressure from the juniors right now. For the time being, my place in the national team is safe.”
Beng Hong, who is ranked 31st in the world, said there was a big gap in standards between the seniors and the second team.
“It was different when I was in the back-up team. We trained with the seniors and had match practice every week.
“Our back-up players now train on their own. They only get a chance to rub shoulders with the seniors during the local circuit. And last year, we had only two legs of the circuit!
“I’m not looking down on them but their standard is low now,” added Beng Hong.
The back-up singles players under the Project 2010-12 are Chong Wei Feng, Tan Chun Seang, Azrihanif Azahar, Lim Kenn, Mohd Syafiq Jamaluddin, Liew Daren, Chong Li Qun and Beryno Wong.
The seniors train in Bukit Jalil while the back-up players are based at the Stadium Juara in Bukit Kiara.
Four back-up shuttlers get nod for Malaysian Open
Monday January 8, 2007, PETALING JAYA: Four national back-up singles players will get the chance to prove their worth in the Malaysian Open Badminton Championships.
The four players who will begin their campaign in the qualifying tournament next Tuesday are Lim Kenn, Tan Chun Seang, Beryno Wong and Liew Daren of the Project 2010-12 squad.
And Lim Kenn is determined to make a breakthrough.
“It is great that I have the chance to compete in the qualifying tournament. I am 21-years-old now but it is not considered young in the world of badminton anymore,” said Lim Kenn, who is ranked 131st in the world.
“It is time to step up and prove my worth in the team. I will give my best shot to make it to the main draw.”
The Malaysian back-up shuttlers are lucky to get to compete in the Malaysian Open because of the absence of many foreign players in the top 100 bracket.
Meanwhile, after being delayed due to problems with downloading information last week, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) will release the draw for the Open today.
The four players who will begin their campaign in the qualifying tournament next Tuesday are Lim Kenn, Tan Chun Seang, Beryno Wong and Liew Daren of the Project 2010-12 squad.
And Lim Kenn is determined to make a breakthrough.
“It is great that I have the chance to compete in the qualifying tournament. I am 21-years-old now but it is not considered young in the world of badminton anymore,” said Lim Kenn, who is ranked 131st in the world.
“It is time to step up and prove my worth in the team. I will give my best shot to make it to the main draw.”
The Malaysian back-up shuttlers are lucky to get to compete in the Malaysian Open because of the absence of many foreign players in the top 100 bracket.
Meanwhile, after being delayed due to problems with downloading information last week, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) will release the draw for the Open today.
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