Billy Ng and Omar Manaf optimistic for national team to earn good results at Thomas Cup Finals
Malaysia’s former shuttlers Billy Ng and Omar Manaf, who were a part of Thomas Cup squad of Malaysia, believe that the national team can earn positive results in the upcoming Thomas Cup Finals if they concentrate and improve different aspects of their game
particularly their physical fitness.
The 29-year-old Lee Chong Wei, who is currently number one in Men’s Singles world placements, will lead the Malaysian squad at Thomas Cup which is set to kick off from May 20 in Wuhan, China.
The national shuttlers will work hard in the centralised training camp for six days before they move to China for participating in this biggest team-event competition in the world of badminton.
Billy and Omar want the top Men’s Doubles players Tan Boon Heong and Koo Kien Keat to be physically and mentally fit.
The former greats also believe that the World Number 33 Muhammad Hafiz Hashim can also bring good results if he remains fit and plays his normal game.
Billy and Omar have been watching the matches of last week’s Malaysia Open GP Gold in Johor Bahru and they observed the game of Boon Heong and Kien Keat.
While talking about the strategy and approach of top Doubles pair, Billy said that they need to continue playing in the similar aggressive fashion.
He also insisted that Hafiz should improve his physical fitness in order to get desired results.
Billy said, “Kien Keat-Boon Heong must continue their aggressive play. In doubles, one has to keep on pushing and attacking. Hafiz also needs to improve his physical condition. The chances are there and I wish the team all the best.”
While talking about Johor Bahru’s lack of producing shuttlers, Omar said that small number of competitions is the main reason of this dearth.
He said, “During our time, the state had many tournaments. Now, there is a shortage of good competitions. Johor haven’t hosted a state Open for a long time but they do have district programmes and the players participate in the two-leg 100Plus National Junior
Circuit annually.”
However, both greats are optimistic that if national shuttlers work hard and improve their fitness, they will definitely earn good results at Thomas Cup Finals.
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