PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles shuttler Wan Arif Wan Junaidi may have to wait longer for his Thomas Cup debut but he still believes that his role, together with the two other pairs brought to Denmark, remains important in Malaysia’s bid to end a 34-year title drought.
Arif and his partner Yap Roy King, along with Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing and Choong Hon Jian-Goh Boon Zhe, have been assigned as sparring partners for the national squad during the eight-day centralised training camp in Herning.
They were also called into action during the simulation matches held yesterday at the Herning Badminton Club as part of the team’s build-up to the Thomas Cup, which begins on Friday in Horsens.
For Arif, the opportunity to serve as a sparring partner is a new experience, and one he has embraced as a way to move past the disappointment of missing out on selection for this year’s squad.
“I feel proud because it is not easy to be selected to go to Denmark. This is also my first time being chosen as a sparring partner, so I hope all the players selected will give their full cooperation to the team, not only to the Thomas Cup squad, but also to help the women’s team prepare for the Uber Cup,” said Arif.
Arif and Roy King had been in contention with independent pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani for the final spot in the Thomas Cup squad.
The Asian Championships in Ningbo, China, two weeks ago were meant to be the final trial, but Arif and Roy King fell in the first round.
Sze Fei and Izzuddin also exited early, but their experience as a former world No. 1 pair in team events ultimately tipped the balance in their favour.
Still, Arif does not view his stint in Herning as merely a supporting role. Instead, he sees it as a valuable opportunity to sharpen his game and learn from the senior players.
“We do not see ourselves as just sparring partners, but as part of the training as well. It gives me extra motivation to keep improving and to try to earn a place in the team for future tournaments,” he added.
