Time not on Chong King’s side as he seeks to keep spot on squad

PETALING JAYA: Lim Chong King (pic) was once touted as the future men’s singles player but he is now in troubled waters.

The 21-year-old’s career with the national team may come to an end if he does not buck up next year.

He had a chance to redeem himself following dismal outings earlier this year but failed miserably in the Czech Open (last 16) and Belgian International where he lost to little-known Aryamann Tandon of India in the qualifiers.

Visibly unhappy, the coaches withdrew him from the lower-ranked tournaments in Ireland, Scotland and Wales and sent him home.

Chong King is already under scrutiny after having flopped in the Polish Open in March and Spanish International Challenge in June.

“I’m having a rough time in trying to regain my old form. I just can’t seem to perform to my true ability,” lamented Chong King.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has restricted opportunities to compete, and it was not easy to be competitive again right away.

“I need to work on the mental aspect and execute the right strategy on the court.

“But it’s not all negative. I’m slowly getting there and it’s only a matter of time before I come good once again.

“It’s shame that I didn’t get to play in the next few tournaments, but I accepted the coaches’ decision.”

The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) had earlier this year axed Under-21 players, which included Chong King’s teammates Ter Chun Long. Low Eu Cong, Ching Kai Feng and Ooi Jhy Dar from the men’s doubles department.

“I just need to put together good results whenever I’m given a chance. I’m quite confident that I can make a strong comeback.”

Chong King started his rookie year with the senior team in 2019 with a bang by pulling off his breakthrough victory at the Hellas Open in Greece.

He also came in as the runner-up at the Sydney International Series in Australia and made the semi-finals of the Malaysian International Series, prompting then men’s singles head coach Datuk Misbun Sidek to compare him to “a young Lee Chong Wei”.