Mei Kuan’s quit decision big blow to BAM’s hopes

So long: Chow Mei Kuan (left), who has decided to retire, and Lee Meng Yeng in action during the recent Olympics in Japan.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia have been dealt a massive blow ahead of several major tournaments following top women’s doubles shuttler Chow Mei Kuan’s decision to retire from the sport.

The 26-year-old Mei Kuan, who formed the world No. 11 partnership with Lee Meng Yean, had her resignation accepted by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) yesterday.

This means Malaysia will now have two established pairs – world No. 19 Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and No. 70 Teoh Mei Xing-Yap Ling – to depend on from the already depleted women’s doubles department for the upcoming Sudirman Cup in Vaanta, Finland from Sept 26-Oct 3 and the Uber Cup in Aarhus, Denmark from Oct 9-17.

The depth of Chan Chong Ming-led squad has shrunk after veteran Vivian Hoo was released from the national team in February.

Besides Meng Yean, the other two members in the team are Vivian’s former partner Yap Cheng Wen and Anna Cheong.

National coaching director Wong Choong Hann said attempts were made to convince her to stay on but it proved futile.

He revealed that Mei Kuan had wanted to retire on a few occasions. Still it is quite a surprise as she tied the knot in December last year.

“She could still play on despite her marriage but she probably planned to start a family,” said Choong Hann.

“Also, she probably felt she has achieved all the things she wanted in her career. She actually tendered her resignation letter after returning from the Olympics. We tried to convince her to change her mind but she was firmed with her decision.

“We respect her decision and accepted her resignation today (yesterday).”

Mei Kuan’s absence will surely be felt by Malaysia as they face a daunting task of clearing the group stage of the Uber Cup.

They will learn who their rivals are when the draw is made tomorrow.

As the ninth seeds, Malaysia are sure to be pitted with two of the top eight seeded team comprising defending champions Japan, China, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, India and Denmark.

The Thomas Cup groupings will also be known today but Lee Zii Jia-led Malaysia should be handed a less intimidating draw by virtue of being the seventh seeds.

Malaysia could face either of the four heavyweights – China, Indonesia, Japan and Denmark but will avoid the remaining top eight teams – Taiwan, South Korea and India.

THE SEEDINGS

THOMAS CUP

1. INDONESIA, 2. JAPAN, 3. CHINA, 4. DENMARK, 5. TAIWAN, 6. INDIA, 7. MALAYSIA, 8. S. KOREA, 9. THAILAND, 10. ENGLAND, 11. GERMANY, 12. CANADA, 13. FRANCE, 14. HOLLAND, 15. AUSTRALIA, 16. ALGERIA

UBER CUP

1. JAPAN, 2. CHINA, 3. S. KOREA, 4. THAILAND, 5. INDONESIA, 6. TAIWAN, 7. INDIA, 8. DENMARK, 9. MALAYSIA, 10. CANADA, 11. FRANCE, 12. GERMANY, 13. SPAIN, 14. AUSTRALIA, 15. EGYPT, 16. SCOTLAND