PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi is keeping a close watch on Man Wei Chong’s (pic) knee injury as Malaysia step up preparations for the Thomas Cup Finals in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24-May 3.
Wei Chong and partner Tee Kai Wun suffered an early exit at the Asian Championships in Ningbo after going down 18-21, 18-21 to China’s He Jiting-Ren Xiangyu, with the 25-year-old still managing a knee injury picked up prior to the All-England in March.
Despite being cleared to compete, Herry admitted concerns remain over Wei Chong’s condition, with the medical team set to play a key role in determining his readiness.
“I am definitely worried because we need to plan our strategy for the Thomas Cup,” said Herry.
“We have to consult the doctors to assess his recovery. If changes are needed, it will depend on their recommendations.”
Although Herry did not attribute the injury to the loss in China, he acknowledged that the pair were underprepared because of it.
“They were just not ready, especially Wei Chong, because of the injury,” he said.
“He had been doing mostly rehab and not much skill training.
“That was done only about a week with the team.
“Ideally, if their preparations were lacking, they should not have gone to compete, but they are one of our top pairs, so they wanted to try,” added Herry.
Wei Chong-Kai Wun will be joined by world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and world No. 7 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani in the men’s doubles camp.
Malaysia have been drawn in Group B with Japan, England, and Finland as they look to end their agonising wait for the Thomas Cup title which they last won in 1992 in Kuala Lumpur.
The men’s singles squad consist of Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh, Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin, and Lee Zii Jia.
