Cheam out to earn second singles spot after frustrating year

We’ll catch up: Cheam June Wei (right) training with Lee Zii Jia before Covid-19 disrupted everything.

PETALING JAYA: National singles shuttler Cheam June Wei has had enough being under the radar during the challenging season affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

June Wei wants to make his presence felt by earning his spot as the second best singles player after Lee Zii Jia at the Sudirman Cup in Vantaa, Finland, from Sept 26-Oct 3 and the Thomas Cup Finals in Aarhus, Denmark, from Oct 9-17.

He aims to put up a good show in the internal ranking tournament, scheduled in early September, to justify his standing as one of the country’s best.

Based on the world ranking, June Wei, at 69, is ranked third behind Zii Jia (No. 8) and Liew Daren (35).

“The internal ranking tournament is used to name the teams for the Sudirman and Thomas Cup and I want to confirm my names for both,” said June Wei.

Unlike Zii Jia, who has competed in six tournaments this year, June Wei has only played in the Orleans and Spain Masters due to his low world ranking.

To add to his misery, he was tested positive for Covid-19 after the trip to France and had limited preparation before playing in Spain.

“The long wait and cancellation of tournaments, training in isolation, limited social life and being tested positive for Covid-19... have been mentally draining,” said June Wei.

“The plans keep changing. I’ve only played in two tournaments in two years!

I’ve to admit that I was demoralised and had even entertained thoughts of quitting.

“Fortunately, my family has been so supportive and my badminton friends too. All the encouragement and my own desire to excel in sports have kept me going.”

June Wei’s frustration is understandable as before Covid-19 halted sports in March, 2020, he had been in an outstanding form. He did well in the Thomas Cup qualifying event in Manila as the second singles player.

“Over the last few months, I’ve learnt to deal with all the uncertainty.

“Life will always be full of challenges and I’ve to face all of them to succeed,” he said.

“And I really want to be a successful badminton player,” added the 24-year-old June Wei, who last won a title at the 2019 Malaysia International Challenge.