BUKIT JALIL: National singles coach Misbun Sidek will not make changes to his men’s squad for next month’s Asia Team Championships in Alor Star.
The tournament, scheduled on Feb 6-11, doubles up as a qualifier for the Thomas Cup in Bangkok in May.
“We will not make changes as it will disrupt our training programme for the tournament. The shuttlers were picked based on their recent performances,” said Misbun after Monday’s working committee meeting with the National Sports Council (NSC).
“However, the door is not completely closed on other shuttlers for future events. Everyone should respect decisions made by coaches as they have the technical expertise and experience.”
Misbun’s decision means that Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin and Soong Joo Ven, who are struggling for form, will remain in the men’s Asia Team squad, while reigning Asian junior champion Leong Jun Hao and independent player Liew Daren, who were impressive in recent competitions, will not be considered for the tournament.
“Yes, some players are making progress, but I have to look at them in all aspects first before I can consider my options for team competitions.
“Those who are consistent will definitely be part of my plans...this is my guarantee,” said the former national player.
World No 2 Lee Chong Wei, Lee Zii Jia, Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi make up the men’s team.
“I should be feeling the pressure from those who have been questioning my decisions over the selection of players for events but I am unperturbed. Those, I have selected, for the Asia Team event are strong players with potential,” Misbun added.
BA of Malaysia (BAM) honorary secretary Datuk Ng Chin Chai said he will have a meeting with Misbun on Saturday for updates on the men’s Asia Team squad.
“The coach has the final say. We will consider changes for the Thomas Cup in May.
“As for the Asia Team event, it will be risky to include Daren as he will be playing in the India Masters (on Jan 30-Feb 4). However, changes could still take place if there are injuries,” said Chin Chai.
The national shuttlers will start their campaign in the Indonesia Masters, which starts on Tuesday, followed by next week’s India Masters.
On Chong Wei’s request to the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for a leeway to skip some tournaments on the World Tour, Chin Chai said: “BAM are still waiting for a reply from the world body.”
“I reminded BWF again last week during the Malaysia Masters and highlighted Chong Wei’s request,” Chin Chai added.
Translated from Harian Metro