PETALING JAYA: Justin Hoh is set to be selected ahead of Ng Tze Yong for the Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, China, from April 27-May 5.
With most national shuttlers having ended their campaigns at the Asian Championships in Ningbo, China, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) are now likely to have a clearer idea of the line-up.
A 20-player provisional list is out but the BAM dismissed it as unofficial.
The governing body had made it clear that the Asian meet would serve as the final selection ground before confirming the final squad.
One of the key decisions still to be made is in the men’s singles, with the battle for a spot appearing to be between rising star Justin and Tze Yong, who only recently returned to competition after a year-long layoff due to a back injury.
National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen remained tight-lipped when asked who would join Leong Jun Hao in the singles.
“I can’t comment on the Sudirman Cup line-up until the official announcement is made by BAM,” said Jonassen in a brief response when contacted.
Based on current form, Justin appears to have a strong chance of making the trip to Xiamen, especially after his impressive showing at the Asian Championships.
The 21-year-old not only excelled in the qualification rounds but also caused a major upset by defeating South Korea’s Jeon Hyeok-jin in the first round and displayed remarkable resilience in his battle against defending champion Jonatan Christie of Indonesia before bowing out.
While Tze Yong showed some positive signs, his movement seemed less agile than before during his match against Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand, which saw him suffer a defeat.
In the women’s singles, while Goh Jin Wei is almost certain to be included in the squad while either K. Letshanaa and Wong Ling Ching is expected to join her.
For this edition, Malaysia have been drawn in Group C alongside three-time runners-up Japan, Australia, and France.
The BAM are set to announce the final list of players for the Sudirman Cup this Monday, the same day as the player registration deadline.
