Female players have potential to secure a berth in Uber Cup Finals, says coach Rexy Mainaky
Malaysia’s national coach, Rexy Mainaky, is optimistic for an elevated performance from female players in the Uber Cup Qualifying Round, which is set to kick off from February 13, in Macau.
According to the coach, female squad of Malaysia has potential to get success in the qualifying round and secure a berth in Uber Cup Finals, which will take place in China, in May.
Malaysia has been placed in the same draw with China and India but Rexy is confident that Malaysian shuttlers are well prepared and have required skills to make their presence felt to the world of badminton.
However, Malaysia’s main target will be to beat India because Chinese team is far superior for Malaysian shuttlers. According to Rexy, Malaysian ladies can become successful against the Indian team as both squads are equal on paper.
Malaysia has been facing problems in the Women’s Singles category since the retirement of Wong Mew Choo as the country has not yet produced any other player who could challenge the world.
However, Lydia Cheah, Tee Jing Yi, Yang Li Lian and Sannatasah Saniru are working hard to prove their worth at international stage but they are still lacking the impressive touch which is required to beat the top shuttlers in the world.
According to Rexy, the draw is also not too bad as Malaysian shuttlers have a chance to make the cut by beating Indian team.
He said, “Our main target is to overcome India ... if (Chin) Eei h*i-(Wong) Pei Tty are injury-free, they have the quality to win a point against the top Indian pair of Jwala Gutta-Ashwini Ponnappa.”
He further added, “Our second doubles are also not to be underestimated ... they can rise to the occasion. In the singles, Jing Yi could give Saina Nehwal a run for her money and an on-form Lydia can overcome India’s second singles without much difficulty.”
In the first Women’s Singles match, Jing Yi will face the World Number Four Saina. The coach is optimistic that the Malaysian will give a good fight to the Indian.
However, in the later singles and doubles, Malaysia stands a good chance to overcome Indian opponents and qualify for Uber Cup Finals.
Tags: