KUALA LUMPUR: To secure victory in a team event, every player must step up and contribute rather than rely on just one or two key players.
That is the view of men’s doubles shuttler Yap Roy King, who believes that each member of the squad competing at the Asia Mixed Team Championships, which begins next Tuesday, has a role to play in ensuring success.
Based on the team line-up, the men’s doubles pairs (Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi), along with the mixed doubles pairs (Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Jamie Lai and Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin), are expected to be the key point contributors for Malaysia.
But the men’s singles comprising Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh, women’s singles players K. Letshanaa and Wong Ling Ching, as well as the women’s doubles pairs Go Pei Kee-Teoh Mei Xing and Tan Zhing Yi-Cheng Su Hui, are also seen as capable of putting up a strong fight and even pulling off surprises despite facing tougher opponents.
“Every department has its own responsibility. For instance, as doubles players we are fully prepared, whether on or off the court. Regardless of whether we play, we will always be 100 percent ready,” said Roy King.
Roy King’s partner, Arif, expressed his excitement about heading to Qingdao this Sunday, armed with fresh insights from their new coach, Herry Iman Pierngadi.
“Everything has been going smoothly. Our department’s preparation has been solid under our new coach, and we have gained valuable knowledge from him based on his experience in Indonesia. I hope Roy King and I can put it to good use in China.
“Coach Herry will not be joining us in China, but we will stay in touch with him. Our coach, Miftakh, will also seek his input on the best strategies to use against our opponents,” said Arif.
Malaysia have been drawn in Group B alongside Indonesia and Hong Kong, with the top two teams advancing to the quarter-finals.
The four semi-finalists will also secure a spot in the prestigious Sudirman Cup, set to take place in Xiamen, China, this May.
