BANGKOK: Doubles shuttler Man Wei Chong may not know where he will stand on court today, but he is crystal clear about one thing – that Malaysia’s 20-year wait for the SEA Games men’s team gold must end.
With strategy still under wraps, Wei Chong is ready to adapt to any role.
Wei Chong could be fielded with his regular partner Tee Kai Wun, or he may be thrown into a scratch pairing with either Olympic champions Aaron Chia or Soh Wooi Yik.
But uncertainty has not rattled the 26-year-old.
“We still don’t know who will be our partner against Indonesia, so all we can do is prepare the best we can,” said Wei Chong.
Malaysia’s last triumph came at the 2005 Games in the Philippines.
“We are ready to play with anyone if it helps the team. Both teams will definitely be motivated to win gold. We hope to come out on top.
“In doubles, the matches are always unpredictable but one sure thing is every pair will fight hard. So, we are expecting both the first and second doubles matches to be close.
“It’s going to be 50-50. It depends on which pair can perform better on the day,” added Wei Chong.
Wei Chong and Kai Wun combined with Wooi Yik and Kai Wun respectively in the team’s 3-0 win over the Philippines in the last eight before reverting to their original partners in the 3-1 success over hosts Thailand in the semi-finals.
Both Aaron-Wooi Yik and Wei Chong-Kai Wun delivered the points too against the Thais, so it remains to be seen if men’s doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi will stick or tweak the line-up.
Indonesia are likely to stick with the usual combinations of world No. 8 Sabar Gutama-Moh Reza and world No. 19 Leo Rolly-Bagas Maulana.
Wei Chong said confidence is high within the team after overcoming Thailand and hopes to maintain the good vibes against Indonesia.
“Our confidence is high after beating Thailand, who enjoyed home advantage,” said Wei Chong.
“Our team spirit is always good when it comes to team events, so we hope to end the team competition here on a high note.”
