Counting on doubles to deliver

2009/11/21

MALAYSIA learnt a bitter lesson in the 2007 Korat Sea Games where the back-up
players failed miserably, returning with a mere four bronze medals. That has prompted the BA of Malaysia to send the seniors to next month’s Laos Sea Games and a two-gold target has been set.

The Indonesians will be there with their best and are even giving the World Super Series Masters Finals a miss and BAM does not want to be caught napping.

But World No 1 Lee Chong Wei, targeted to deliver one gold, is contemplating withdrawing and BAM’s target is now at risk.

Chong Wei, who was out of action for five weeks due to a left knee injury, returned to win the Hong Kong Open last week but is worried the injury may act up again in L a o s.

Malaysia will be hard pressed to meet the two-gold target should Chong Wei skip the Games but even his presence may not guarantee succ e s s.

The men’s team gold is one of Malaysia’s targets where they are sure to face champi - ons Indonesia in the final.

Indonesia look solid with Sony Dwi Kuncoro and Simon Santoso leading the side in the singles with Markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan and the much improved Muhammad Ahsan- Bona Septano to depend on in the doubles.

Chong Wei may deliver a point but the highly inconsistent Hafiz Hashim and doubles pairs Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and Zakry Latif- Fairuzizuan Tazari are well known for their mood swings.

M a l ay s i a ’s third singles is the weakest link as either Kuan Beng Hong or Liew Daren will be out of depth against Indonesia.

The team title is for Indonesia to lose and if there is a chance for Malaysia to clinch gold, it is in the individual e ve n t s.

This is where Chong Wei’s presence, should he decide to play, will make a difference as he will be the clear favourite for the singles gold.

Chong Wei has an easy draw where his only tough match will be in the semi-finals as he will play either Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand or Simon and should meet Sony for the gold.

However, if his wish to skip the event is granted, Malaysia may not have a medal to show for in the men’s singles as Hafiz is in danger of being shown the exit in the first round where he will play Sony.

Kien Keat-Boon Heong, despite their inconsistency, have a realistic chance as their performance in individual events is better.

They were not included in the 2007 squad and this g ives them another reason to fight for the gold although Markis- Hendra will be a major stumbling block.

Kien Keat-Boon Heong have a good record against Markis- Hendra and as Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah proved in the 2003 Sea Games, a surprise can be achieved.

Wo m e n ’s doubles Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui are the other pair who can pull it off.

In fact, Pei Tty-Eei Hui are perhaps Malaysia's best bets for gold while Wong Mew Choo could also surprise although there will be strong opposition in Laos.

Maria Kristin Yulianti will be Mew Choo’s biggest threat while Xing Aiying of Singapore is the other player who can spell danger.

Malaysia will be blooding a young squad in the women's team and they should use the opportunity to gain as much experience as possible.

One gold medal looks certain but making it two will depend on the form of Kien Keat- Boon Heong and the availability of Chong Wei in Laos.