EXCEPT for long rallies, Woon Khe Wei (pic) and Vivian Hoo have perfected the other aspects of the women’s doubles game.
But it is still not enough for the World No 19 to finish on the podium at the Asian Games.
Khe Wei-Vivian have gained a reputation as specialists in multi-sports Games following their success in last year’s Myanmar Sea Games and last month’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
“It will be near-impossible to win gold in Incheon but we will try our best to achieve a respectable result,” said Khe Wei.
“The Asian Games is as tough as the World Championships and the standard is higher than the Commonwealth Games and the Sea Games so we cannot expect much.”
Khe Wei said she and Vivian have been training extra hours on court and also working out in the gym.
“We need more strength as most pairs rely on rallies for points. China pairs have perfected it,” Khe Wei added.
Doubles coach Rosman Razak hopes the success in Glasgow will give Khe Wei-Vivian the confidence to go far in the Asian Games.
“The pair need more time to perfect the long rally game. As for now, they are not so consistent with their quality of strokes.
“In Incheon, I hope they will cause upsets and who knows, maybe they can reach the semi-finals. It will be good for their confidence if they achieve it,” said Rosman.
China are the favourites as they have selected World No 1 Bao Yixin-Tang Jinhua and world champions Zhao Yunlei-Tian Qing for the event. Japan and South Korea have also selected their best pairs.
The other local pair headed for Incheon are World No 24 Amelia Alicia Anscelly-Soong Fie Cho.
Ng Hui Lin and Lim Yin Loo are the reserves and will compete in the mixed doubles with Chan Peng Soon and Lim Khim Wah.
For the record, Malaysia’s best achievement in women’s doubles was two bronze medals through Tan Gaik Bee-Ng Mei Ling (1962) and Rosalind Ang-Teoh Siew Yong (in 1970).
The national team leave for Incheon today. By Ajitpal Singh