Rexy Mainaky backs Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif – Hoon Thien How to perform well at World Championships
Malaysia’s Doubles national coach, Rexy Mainaky, is optimistic that the pair of Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif and Hoon Thien How will put up a good show in the Men’s Doubles draw at the approaching 2011 World Championships, which will start from Monday, August
8, at the Wembley Arena, London.
Mohd Zakry and Hoon Thien will move to London with the Malaysian national squad after attending the centralised training stint at the University of Bath for seven days. Their performance in the training sessions has made the coach optimistic for their better
show in the world meet.
Rexy is quite satisfied with the dedication of Mohd Zakry and Hoon Thien in the training camp and he is also hopeful that the duo will play better badminton and fulfil the expectations in the mega event.
The coach said, “They kept good pace and intensity in training. Based on their body language, I know they gave it all. I hope they will show the same spirit and mentality at Wembley.”
He further added, “Thien How-Zakry have the potential to do well but they must not show too much respect to their opponents. They must believe in themselves. Their preparation has been good ... it’s up to them now to translate it on court.”
Mohd Zakry and Hoon Thien, who are currently ranked at Number 26 in the Men’s Doubles world rankings, showed a great level of determination and spirit during their training at Bath, along with other Malaysian pairs including Tan Boon Heong, Koo Kien Keat,
Chan Peng Soon and Lim Khim Wah.
In the Men’s Doubles first round, the Malaysian duo is set to meet USA’s Howard Bach and Tony Gunawan, who clinched the Men’s Doubles title at the 2005 World Championships. While talking about their first round match against American shuttlers, Rexy said,
“The first round match will make all the difference for them. Tony-Howard are beatable.”
The coach wants Mohd Zakry and Hoon Thien to play to their full potential at the World Championships, to prove their worth against all opponents they face in the court.
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