PETALING JAYA: Youngster Fazriq Razif values his father’s achievement even more after losing in the mixed team event at the World Junior Championships.
On Wednesday, Fazriq and Wong Vin Sean were not fielded as a pair in the second round tie against Indonesia and the team eventually lost 1-4 in Santander, Spain.
It was another disappointing outing for Malaysia after their failure to reach the quarter-finals of the premier world junior event for the second consecutive time.
Fazriq’s father Razif Sidek had teamed up superbly with his brother Jalani in the 1980s and early 90s and did well in many team events, and played their part in Malaysia’s Thomas Cup Finals victory in 1992.
“I’ve never played in a big team event like this ... it’s my first. I’ve learnt so much,” said Fazriq.
“It’s never easy especially in dealing with the pressure but this is an area that I have to learn to be better.
“Now that I’ve played in a big team event, I have a better appreciation of others, especially my dad and uncle.
“They knew how to handle the pressure in much more bigger tournaments. My father has been guiding me, and I’m thankful for that,” he said.
Fazriq-Vin Sean were fielded in the ninth-16th place playoffs against India and Canada.
Malaysia won both ties and will play Denmark today for the ninth spot.
Indonesia upstaged China 3-1 to set up a meeting with Taiwan in the semi-finals while the other semi-finals will be between South Korea and Japan.
Fazriq said the team actions had given him a sneak preview on what to expect in the individual event starting on Monday.
“There are good doubles players from China, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea. Vin Sean and I will be ready as we want to return home with a medal,” added Fazriq.
