Haikal plots new targets with new partner Hon Jian

PETALING JAYA: Mohd Haikal Nazri is looking for a fresh start with new partner Choong Hon Jian.

The national men’s doubles shuttler is set to embark on a new journey with Hon Jian after both the players’ previous partners – Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and Goh Sze Fei – reunited in June.

Before that, Haikal had formed a promising partnership with Wan Arif Wan Junaidi only to end it after three years to combine with Izzuddin in February.

Now, the 20-year-old Haikal wants to start anew with Hon Jian after informing his coaches of his decision to form a partnership with the latter before the National Championships last month.“I had discussed with my coaches the possibility of pairing with Hon Jian just before the national meet,” said Haikal.“They accepted my choice and we have now started training together.”

Haikal believes that Hon Jian will be a good fit for him as the latter is capable at the back court.

The former, meanwhile, sees himself as better at the front court.

Haikal-Hon Jian’s first assignment will be the Indonesian International Challenge from Aug 29-Sept 3 in Medan.

“Our goal in Indonesia is to at least make it into the semi-finals,” said Haikal.

“As for our overall target in our partnership, we want to climb up the world rankings as fast as possible and catch up with the other pairs in the country.”

Hon Jian will also continue playing with Go Pei Kee in the mixed doubles.