Jalani: Play with your heart and it can overcome shortcomings

PLAY with your heart.

That’s the advice former Thomas Cup champion Datuk Seri Jalani Sidek has given the Malaysian team.

Malaysia will begin their campaign in the Finals when they take on Russia in Group D’s opening match today.

Malaysia’s team comprise Lee Chong Wei, Lee Zii Jia, Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin, Leong Jun Hao, Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong, Teo Ee Yi, Mohd Arif Abdul Latif and Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik.

Malaysia, however, are expected to rest Jun Hao, Wooi Yik and Arif today.

Jalani has his reservation on the selection of the men’s doubles line-up for this year’s edition but believes Malaysia can overcome their shortcomings if they play with their heart.

“I feel Malaysia have erred in the selection of the men’s second and third doubles but it’s too late now,” said Jalani, who is in Bangkok as an observer with the team.

“They have named a young pair who have not been tested before. Then, they have included Arif and Ee Yi. They have been separated from their original partners. I feel that we have weakened our doubles.

“But having said that, it’s too late to be crying over spilt milk. I would encourage these players to give their best.

“They’ll have a chance to upset their stronger opponents if they can play with courage. They should not allow nerves to get to them.”

Jalani, however, is impressed with the singles line-up. He says Zhi Jia, Iskandar and Jun Hao have showed plenty of improvement.

“With the right leadership from Chong Wei, our team can make a difference in Bangkok,” added Jalani, who played with his brother Razif in the 1992 Thomas Cup winning team.