Choong Hann sticks to his guns, no place for June Wei

PETALING JAYA: National singles coaching director Wong Choong Hann has put an end to calls to consider Cheam June Wei for the Thomas Cup squad, stating that the independent player is not in his plans for the Finals in Bangkok from May 8-15.

Choong Hann had shortlisted five players from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) stable – Ng Tze Yong (world No. 44), Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin (No. 113), Leong Jun Hao (No. 122), Ong Ken Yon (No. 283) and Shaqeem Eiman (No. 419), as well as independent players Lee Zii Jia (world No. 7) and Liew Daren (No. 35).

June Wei, who was part of the 2020 Cup squad and the national team that finished runners-up to Indonesia in the Asian Team Championships in the same year, was left out despite his experience.

“We are not considering him this year,” said Choong Hann firmly after the BAM coaching and training committee meeting yesterday.

“We have planned June Wei’s role in the Thomas Cup since last year and we worked hand in hand to give it our best shot but it didn’t work out well.

“He departed (to become an independent player). So this time, we want to look at other candidates. The door is still open, if he continues to prove that he is a better player.”

The BAM can name up to six singles players in the Cup team – Zii Jia, Daren, Tze Yong, Aidil Sholeh and Leong Jun Hao, leaving Ken Yon and Shaqeem to tussle for the last slot.

National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky has finalised his three pairs in Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (No. 9), Teo Ee Yi-Ong Yew Sin (No. 11) and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (No. 16).

Meanwhile, former Thomas Cupper Ong Ewe Hock has stated that the best available players and pairs should be called up before the coaches finalise their squads.

“The best players and doubles pairs must attend the centralised training. Independent players or BAM players, they all should be evaluated,” said Ewe Hock.

“June Wei and Soong Joo Ven could also have been included. The Thomas Cup is not the place for exposure.”

Coaching and training committee chairman Datuk Kenny Goh said that the Thomas and Uber Cup squads will be announced today.