Double duty: Men’s doubles shuttler Mohd Haikal Nazri was named as the third singles in the Asia Team Championships final against China. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: National coaching director Rexy Mainaky could select five singles shuttlers for the Thomas Cup Finals from April 27-May 5 in Chengdu to ensure there will be no repeat of the crisis in the Asia Team Championships.
In the Asia team meet in Shah Alam in February, Rexy was forced to name doubles player Mohd Haikal Nazri as the third singles in the final against China after the country’s top two singles players Lee Zii Jia and Ng Tze Yong had to miss the match due to sickness and fitness issues respectively.
Malaysia’s No. 3 Leong Jun Hao and youngster Eogene Ewe were thrust into action in the first and second singles.
Only four singles players were selected in the team, which left Rexy and the rest of the coaching team scrambling to name the line-up in the final due to the misfortune for both Zii Jia and Tze Yong.
“We might consider selecting five singles and five doubles players this time,” said Rexy.
“We need a solid team and we don’t want a repeat of what happened in the Asia Team meet.
“As a coach, that was the first time that I had to deal with a crisis like that where there were not enough singles players fit enough to play in a final.”
Youngster Justin Hoh might be called up this time if his fitness permits after he was forced to miss the Asia Team meet due to a knee injury while Zii Jia, Tze Yong, Jun Hao and Eogene are all also under consideration to be included.
Meanwhile, national No. 1 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik’s place is confirmed for the doubles department.
This leaves the likes of independent pair Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and rising duo Choong Hon Jian-Haikal vying for the remaining three spots.
“Sze Fei-Izzuddin have performed well in team events before while we are also considering Yew Sin-Ee Yi,” said Rexy.
“We need players who are experienced as we are banking on two points from the doubles.”
Rexy is set to name the team by the end of this week.
Malaysia have been drawn to face Denmark, Hong Kong and Algeria in Group D.
