BAM welcome new ideas to raise women's standard, Pearly-Thinaah's status still pending

BAM secretary Datuk Kenny Goh— FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

PETALING JAYA: The presence of Wong Mew Choo as a motivator for the women's singles players in the national team will do wonders.

And the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) secretary Kenny Goh said the national body were willing to consider any suggestions to raise the standard of the women's singles shuttlers including welcoming back former national Mew Choo to inspire the players.

Mew Choo reached a career-high No. 7 in the world in 2008 and famously captured the China Open title in 2007, taking down three top home stars - world champion Zhu Lin, two-time Olympic gold medallist Zhang Ning, and finally world number one Xie Xingfang in the process.

Malaysia's standard in the women's singles has dropped alarmingly since the 42-year-old's playing days with world No. 43 independent player Goh Jin Wei and world No. 52 K. Letshanaa the top two in the country currently.

The lack of a role model to look up to in BAM is likely one of the reasons affecting the self belief of the players and holding them back from making a breakthrough in the event.

Mew Choo could inspire the players by meeting them and sharing her experience with them.

BAM seem open to try new ways to lift the spirits of the players.

"For now, we have no plans yet but we are open to any suggestions," said Kenny.

 

Meanwhile, national No. 1 women's doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah's position in BAM remains a question mark as the duo have still yet to sign a new contract.

 

There have been speculation that Pearly-Thinaah have been talking to sponsors outside BAM and could consider leaving the national set-up to turn independent.

 

BAM are remaining calm despite facing the prospect of losing the world No. 5 pair.

 

Pearly-Thinaah just returned from Xiamen, China after competing in the Sudirman Cup where Malaysia lost 0-3 to the hosts and eventual winners in the last eight.

 

"Yes, Pearly-Thinaah have not signed a new contract. They just came back from Xiamen," said Kenny.

 

"We are not sure when they will sign but we are not in any hurry."

 

Pearly-Thinaah might have to make a decision soon with a busy schedule coming up for them as they have been registered to compete in four straight tournaments - the Thailand Open (May 13-18), Malaysian Masters (May 20-25), Singapore Open (May 27-June 1) and Indonesian Open (June 3-8).