PETALING JAYA: Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) secretary Datuk Kenny Goh denied claims that Malaysia is short of quality men’s singles players following the team’s disappointing campaign in the Thomas Cup in Horsens last week.
Malaysia’s wait to end their 34-year title drought continued after they went down 3-0 to China in the quarter-finals.
According to Kenny, the men’s singles department has been unfortunate due to injuries, with players still recovering.
“I don’t agree when people say we (BAM) lack talent. I think we have the talent, but we have just been unfortunate in the singles department because some players got injured.
“You all know how many players are injured. Some are still in the recovery process, and some have only just returned. So I don’t think we are lacking talent. We have just been unlucky in that aspect,” said Kenny.
Although he did not name any players, Malaysia have clearly felt the absence of Ng Tze Yong, who is still recovering from the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury he suffered last year.
Malaysia fielded Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh alongside independent players Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin and Lee Zii Jia in the singles department.
However, among the four players selected, only Lee Zii Jia managed to deliver convincing performances after winning all his matches in the group stage.
Kenny admitted the current situation in the men’s singles camp is worrying, but stressed that BAM has already provided the best possible support for the players to develop.
“If you ask me, I’m worried about everything. I think we have given as much support and facilities as we can to the players, but once they step onto the court, it is up to them and beyond our control.
“But whenever they go onto the court, we always hope they give their best, and I believe they have given their best,” he added.
