Shuttlers should qualify for Thomas Cup Finals to avoid an embarrassing situation, says Rashid Sidek
Malaysia’s Men’s Singles national coach, Rashid Sidek, says that for avoiding an embarrassing situation, the national shuttlers have to deliver their maximum performance in the Thomas Cup Qualifying Round and reserve their place in the Thomas Cup Finals, which will take place in China, this May, 2012.
According to the coach, Malaysia has never failed to qualify for the Finals and the current team needs to live up to the expectations. The qualifying round of Thomas Cup will take place in Macau from February 13-19.
Rashid stressed on the fact that badminton in religiously followed by a huge majority of people in Malaysia and the country has a prestigious image in the arena of badminton. He wants shuttlers not to let down the hopes of people in the qualifying round.
However, Rashid also admitted that the current national squad is the weakest as compared to all previous squads for Thomas Cup Finals. But he still wants the players to qualify for the prestigious team event in order to avoid an embarrassing situation.
The coach expects that Lee Chong Wei in Men’s Singles and Koo Kien Keat – Tan Boon Heong in Men’s Doubles will win all of their matches to enhance the chances of national team to qualify for the Thomas Cup Finals.
Rashid said, “The nation’s pride is at stake and the players, no matter how weak they are, must fight to earn a place in the final round. Failing to make the final round will put a blemish in our proud badminton history not to mention that it will tarnish our reputation globally. We have to fight all the way to avoid that.”
He further added, “If Chong Wei and Kien Keat-Boon Heong win, the pressure on others will be reduced and they can contribute. I feel we can still clear the hurdle.”
Along with the World Number one Chong Wei, there will be Muhammad Hafiz Hashim will also be a part of national team in the Men’s Singles category.
However, there will be a competition between Mohd Arif Abdul Latif and Liew Daren for the third spot in national squad. One shuttler from these two will be able to compete in the qualifying round matches of Thomas Cup.
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