Staying hopeful: Mohd Haikal Nazri (left) could be reunited with his former partner Wan Arif Wan Junaidi.
PETALING JAYA: Mohd Haikal Nazri hopes to have his future resolved soon.
The national men’s doubles shuttler is currently without a partner after Nur Izzuddin Rumsani’s decision to reunite with Goh Sze Fei.
Haikal and Izzuddin had been combined in February after the latter had split up with Sze Fei.
But Izzuddin and Sze Fei had resolved their differences and have renewed their partnership in a bid to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, leaving Haikal looking for a new partner.
“I’m a bit worried as I don’t have a partner now,” said Haikal.
“I’m waiting for the coaches to make a decision on my new partnership.
“The most important thing is for them to decide as soon as possible so that I can compete in tournaments again.”
Haikal could be reunited with his former partner (before Izzuddin), Wan Arif Wan Junaidi.
Haikal and Arif’s three-year partnership had ended when the former was combined with Izzuddin.
Arif was then paired with Yap Roy King.
Haikal, who hails from Kelantan, and the Terengganu-born Arif had been fondly known as the Patatimo boys or boys from the east coast by fans.
The pair are currently ranked No. 78 in the world.
On whether he was keen to renew his partnership with Arif, Haikal said: “I did think about this and I met Arif too to discuss with him on the possibility.
“It will be good to reunite as we can still build on our ranking.
“But I can’t be selfish and only think of myself.
“I also need to take into account Arif’s take on this.
“If he prefers to stay on with Roy King, then I need to respect his decision. Now, I’m fine with partnering anyone as I’m still only 20 and I believe I can play with anyone.”
Arif and Roy King are currently ranked 130th in the world.
The pair’s best result was reaching the semi-finals of the Vietnam International Challenge in March.
