PETALING JAYA: Not every World Championships debutant has to make an early exit – just look at Canada’s Victor Lai.
And men’s singles shuttler Justin Hoh, 22, is bent on drawing inspiration from the youngster when the Malaysian makes his first appearance in the world meet in New Delhi tomorrow.
A year ago in Paris, the 21-year-old Victor made his maiden appearance as an unheralded player but went on to become the first Canadian to win a bronze medal at the tournament.
He stunned several seeded players along the way, including China’s Lu Guangzu in the second round and former world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore in the quarter-finals, before losing to world No. 1 Shi Yuqi in the semi-finals.
Yuqi went on to win the title after beating Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the final.
Justin will now be hoping to follow Victor’s example as he looks to prove that Malaysia’s men’s singles players can still make an impact at the World Championships.
It will not be easy for Justin, though, as he faces All-England champion Lin Chun-yi of Taiwan in the first round.
“The coach has really pushed us hard in training because we know how important the World Championship is,” said Justin.
“We also want to prove ourselves because we know there has been a lot of talk about the men’s singles department.
“I don’t really care about that. I just want to prove myself.
“The world meet is a big tournament and all the top players will be there.
“I don’t care who I play. I just want to prepare myself well and give my best.’’
Justin will be joined by Leong Jun Hao, who has a more favourable first round draw against Brazil’s Jonathan Matias.
Men’s singles head coach Datuk Tey Seu Bock hopes both players can show what they have worked on over the past few weeks when they take to the court in New Delhi.
“Our preparations have gone very well and hopefully they can perform well at the World Championships,” said Seu Bock.
The men’s singles squad had also held training sessions with players from England and Ireland at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara before flying to New Delhi on Friday.
