PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles ace Tee Kai Wun (pic) is fully fit and raring to go as Malaysia aim to end a 20-year wait for the badminton team gold at the SEA Games in Thailand.
The news comes ahead of Malaysia’s quarter-final clash against the Philippines at Thammasat University in Pathum Thani.
It remains unclear whether Kai Wun will feature in the opening tie, as the bigger challenge awaits in the semi-finals if Malaysia progress, with hosts Thailand expected to be a formidable obstacle to the final.
“I’m feeling much better now and I’ve fully recovered. I hope we can perform well and bring home the title at the SEA Games,” said Kai Wun.
The 25-year-old’s fitness had been a concern after he suffered a left calf tear at the Hylo Open last month, though he continued to compete at the Japan Masters to secure a spot at the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou.
At the same time, Kai Wun and his partner Man Wei Chong carry a painful memory from their first SEA Games appearance.
Four years ago in Hanoi, they fought valiantly in the men’s team final against Thailand but lost 3-2, including a crucial 20-22, 20-22 defeat to Chaloempron Charoenkitamorn and Nanthakarn Yordphaisong.
To make matters worse, the pair were later rushed to hospital due to injury, forcing them to miss the individual events.
Kai Wun said he has since put that disappointment behind him and is focused on a fresh start in Bangkok.
“I think now is the new one, so we didn’t think about that. We just forget it now,” he added.
Malaysia last won the men’s team gold at the SEA Games in 2005 in Manila.
