ants
04-11-2004, 08:11 PM
NATIONAL singles coach Misbun Sidek has already included three players — Wong Choong Hann, Lee Chong Wei and Roslin Hashim — in the Thomas Cup squad and is likely to consider Hafiz Hashim for the reserve slot for the final round in Jakarta on May 7-16.
Choong Hann and Roslin were the first to earn their places in the Thomas Cup squad but Misbun decided to include Chong Wei after he advanced to the Korea Open quarter-finals 10 days ago.
Hafiz has to contend with Yeoh Kay Bin and Kuan Beng Hong but the former All-England champion is likely to be given the nod due to his experience, having played in the 2002 Thomas Cup finals in Guangzhou.
"So far, Choong Hann, Roslin and Chong Wei have earned their place. Chong Wei did not fare well in the Japan Open but he is still a better player," said Misbun.
"I have yet to decide on the total number of singles players. We could name four or five singles players but it will depend on how many doubles players will be included.
"As for Hafiz, he is gradually gaining confidence. He is in the running for the reserve slot with a few others."
Lee Tsuen Seng is Misbun’s other option for the reserve slot but the left hander’s performance has taken a nosedive and is not likely to be considered.
Kay Bin has never featured in a Thomas Cup campaign while Beng Hong is still raw when it comes to world class events and this could pave the way for Hafiz’s return.
Hafiz was left out of the Thomas Cup qualifying round in Kuala Lumpur in February due to his slow recovery from a wrist injury but Misbun has been left with no choice but to include the 22-year-old shuttler this time.
The Asian championships in Kuala Lumpur on April 20-25 will not be used as a yardstick to finalise the squad as Misbun said he has already assessed the level of his charges from the six international tournaments they have competed in so far.
"I will not wait until the end of the Asian championships. I have already assessed their performance and next two weeks will be used to monitor their fitness levels.
"Any drastic changes in the squad will only happen if there are injuries."
As for the doubles, Kim Hock is likely to field Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah and Chan Chong Ming-Chew Choon Eng as the top two pairs, while the reserve slot could go to Gan Teik Chai-Koo Kien Keat.
Should Kim Hock decide to field only five players, both Hafiz and Beng Hong will earn the extra reserve slots.
Choong Hann and Roslin were the first to earn their places in the Thomas Cup squad but Misbun decided to include Chong Wei after he advanced to the Korea Open quarter-finals 10 days ago.
Hafiz has to contend with Yeoh Kay Bin and Kuan Beng Hong but the former All-England champion is likely to be given the nod due to his experience, having played in the 2002 Thomas Cup finals in Guangzhou.
"So far, Choong Hann, Roslin and Chong Wei have earned their place. Chong Wei did not fare well in the Japan Open but he is still a better player," said Misbun.
"I have yet to decide on the total number of singles players. We could name four or five singles players but it will depend on how many doubles players will be included.
"As for Hafiz, he is gradually gaining confidence. He is in the running for the reserve slot with a few others."
Lee Tsuen Seng is Misbun’s other option for the reserve slot but the left hander’s performance has taken a nosedive and is not likely to be considered.
Kay Bin has never featured in a Thomas Cup campaign while Beng Hong is still raw when it comes to world class events and this could pave the way for Hafiz’s return.
Hafiz was left out of the Thomas Cup qualifying round in Kuala Lumpur in February due to his slow recovery from a wrist injury but Misbun has been left with no choice but to include the 22-year-old shuttler this time.
The Asian championships in Kuala Lumpur on April 20-25 will not be used as a yardstick to finalise the squad as Misbun said he has already assessed the level of his charges from the six international tournaments they have competed in so far.
"I will not wait until the end of the Asian championships. I have already assessed their performance and next two weeks will be used to monitor their fitness levels.
"Any drastic changes in the squad will only happen if there are injuries."
As for the doubles, Kim Hock is likely to field Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah and Chan Chong Ming-Chew Choon Eng as the top two pairs, while the reserve slot could go to Gan Teik Chai-Koo Kien Keat.
Should Kim Hock decide to field only five players, both Hafiz and Beng Hong will earn the extra reserve slots.