PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles shuttler Yap Roy King’s time to debut at the Thomas Cup will have to wait, but he’s confident his seniors can pull off something special in Horsens as the tournament gets underway on Friday (April 24).
Roy King and his partner Wan Arif Wan Junaidi returned home on Thursday after being assigned to be sparring partners with the national team during their training camp in Herning, along with Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing and Chong Hon Jian-Goh Boon Zhe.
Although he will have to wait longer, Roy King is confident his ‘big brothers’ are capable of reclaiming the Thomas Cup title for Malaysia, which they last won in 1992.
"I wish our top pairs the best there. The team there are very confident and everyone is in good form," said Roy King.
Malaysia’s men’s doubles camp will be led by world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, followed by world No. 6 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and world No. 7 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani.
The 25-year-old Roy King added that it was an eye-opening experience to be part of the centralised training camp in Herning, and he remained proud that he could play a part in the squad’s preparations.
Roy King said the training stint in Herning has fueled his desire to work harder.
"Even if it was only sparring, it was my first time being part of the team for a big tournament and I’m so proud to be part of it.
"It’s a different environment. It was all about training and nothing else throughout the day.
"It was motivating and inspiring for me to see my big brothers prepare and makes me want to join them in the team," he said.
Roy King also got to play simulation matches at the Herning Badminton Club, with around 100 local residents filling seats to catch the action and give players a taste of competition conditions.
Roy King and Aaron Tai were paired to face Sze Fei-Izzuddin.
"It was interesting because we played among ourselves with locals coming to watch us."
