PETALING JAYA: There are no free rides in the team, with every player expected to be ready to contribute points if called upon.
And women’s singles head coach Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin has urged his players to step up ahead of their women’s team quarter-final clash against Vietnam in the SEA Games today.
On paper, the squad’s strength lies with women’s doubles world silver medallists Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, as well as mixed doubles world champion Toh Ee Wei, who may form a scratch pair with one of the other members.
However, Iskandar wants the singles players to avoid relying solely on the star doubles players and instead take the initiative to prove they can shoulder the responsibility and deliver crucial points for the team.
“Everyone else is ready. I believe they can contribute a point. Whether it’s Wong Ling Ching, K. Letshanaa, Siti Zulaikha, or Eng Ler Qi, they all need to be prepared to step up. Based on our preparations, I’m confident we can get the points we need,” said Iskandar.
Although Vietnam have only listed six players for the team event, they can’t be underestimated, with singles world No. 22 Nguyen Thuy Linh expected to play a key role.
A win over Vietnam would not only secure a bronze medal, but also erase the painful memory in Cambodia two years ago when the national women’s team was shockingly defeated by the Philippines and returned home empty-handed.
At the same time, Iskandar, along with the coaching and medical staff, is keeping a close eye on players who recently suffered from fever and colds.
This includes Ling Ching, who came down with a fever just a few days before the team left for Bangkok on Friday.
“We’re monitoring them closely with the National Sports Institute (NSI)l and providing treatment but it’s nothing serious, just a regular fever,” added Iskandar.
