PETALING JAYA: Ahmad Redzuan Zulwaqqarizal had coach Pang Cheh Chang on his mind as Malaysia opened their World Junior Championships mixed team campaign with a 2-0 win over Slovenia in Cairo, Egypt. yesterday.
The 52-year-old coach is not with the national squad as he continues to recover after being hospitalised when he nearly fainted while accompanying the team at the National Under-18 Championships in Alor Setar three weeks ago.
But Redzuan said Cheh Chang’s absence had not disrupted the team, with his advice still fresh in the players’ minds.
“I will remember his message to me and do what he told me to do,” said Redzuan.
“At this worlds, I don’t want to think too far ahead. I just want to stay calm when I go into each match.
“I did not even look at the draw because I did not want to put pressure on myself.
‘‘My coaches always remind me about that, including Hoon Thien How, Hazwan Jamaluddin and coach Pang Cheh Chang,” said Redzuan.
Redzuan arrived in Cairo as the Asian junior mixed doubles champion after winning the title with Low Zi Yu in July.
Malaysia face Poland today, with victory enough to seal top spot in Group A1.
