ixory
04-22-2007, 08:09 PM
BADMINTON :World Championships :Wild-card entry for Fairuzizuan-Pei Tty?
By : K.M. Boopathy (boopathy@nstp.com.my)
(http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/Sport/20070423084247/Article/pppull_index_html)
A THIRD Malaysian mixed doubles pair might get to play in the World Championships in August — thanks to a wild-card entry offered by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to the host nation.
The third pair is likely to be Asian Games bronze medallists Fairuzizuan Tazari-Wong Pei Tty. Despite not having a world ranking they are the likeliest choice as they are currently Malaysia’s No 1.
Malaysia can invoke the World Championship competition regulations on wild cards where clause 3.2.13 states "in the event that the host Association nominates a wild-card entry from its own membership, the nominated player/pair need not be on the world ranking list."
Fairuzizuan-Pei Tty made their debut in the Doha Asian Games and went on to clinch the bronze medal and the pair proved that it was no fluke when they reached the semi-finals of the Asian Badminton Championships a fortnight ago in Johor Baru which was their first grand prix tournament.
However, a pair can only receive world ranking after they have played in at least two BWF ranking events. The pair have to date played in only one since the Asian Games is a non-ranking event.
To date, Tan Wee Kiong-Woon Khe Wei, ranked World No 82, and Hoon Thien How-Ooi Sock Ai, ranked World No 88, are the likely two pairs to get the automatic slots for the World Championships.
National doubles coach Rexy Mainaky said that Fairuzizuan-Pei Tty will be the obvious choice to be chosen as the wild-card entry.
"Since there is a provision under BWF regulations for a wild-card entry for the host nation, we should take advantage of it.
"Fairuzizuan-Pei Tty are playing well and I will definitely nominate them if BWF can offer them a wild card.
"We are grooming them for the Beijing Olympics (next year) and the exposure playing in the World Championships will be great for them. I need to get further details on the wild card entry before taking other steps to enter them for the World Championships."
On previous occasions, the clause on wild-card entries was misunderstood and was normally awarded to the hosts if they do not have any player qualifying based on merit.
Although Malaysia are likely to have sufficient representation in all events, BAM should consider pushing for the inclusion of Fairuzizuan-Pei Tty under the wild-card.
Pei Tty, with partner Chin Eei Hui, have already qualified for the women’s doubles but they are not expected make an impact in the event which is dominated by China who will have three pairs in the major event.
Pei Tty has already won a surprise bronze medal with Koo Kien Keat in last year’s World Championships and she should hit form again partnering Fairuzizuan.
By : K.M. Boopathy (boopathy@nstp.com.my)
(http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/Sport/20070423084247/Article/pppull_index_html)
A THIRD Malaysian mixed doubles pair might get to play in the World Championships in August — thanks to a wild-card entry offered by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to the host nation.
The third pair is likely to be Asian Games bronze medallists Fairuzizuan Tazari-Wong Pei Tty. Despite not having a world ranking they are the likeliest choice as they are currently Malaysia’s No 1.
Malaysia can invoke the World Championship competition regulations on wild cards where clause 3.2.13 states "in the event that the host Association nominates a wild-card entry from its own membership, the nominated player/pair need not be on the world ranking list."
Fairuzizuan-Pei Tty made their debut in the Doha Asian Games and went on to clinch the bronze medal and the pair proved that it was no fluke when they reached the semi-finals of the Asian Badminton Championships a fortnight ago in Johor Baru which was their first grand prix tournament.
However, a pair can only receive world ranking after they have played in at least two BWF ranking events. The pair have to date played in only one since the Asian Games is a non-ranking event.
To date, Tan Wee Kiong-Woon Khe Wei, ranked World No 82, and Hoon Thien How-Ooi Sock Ai, ranked World No 88, are the likely two pairs to get the automatic slots for the World Championships.
National doubles coach Rexy Mainaky said that Fairuzizuan-Pei Tty will be the obvious choice to be chosen as the wild-card entry.
"Since there is a provision under BWF regulations for a wild-card entry for the host nation, we should take advantage of it.
"Fairuzizuan-Pei Tty are playing well and I will definitely nominate them if BWF can offer them a wild card.
"We are grooming them for the Beijing Olympics (next year) and the exposure playing in the World Championships will be great for them. I need to get further details on the wild card entry before taking other steps to enter them for the World Championships."
On previous occasions, the clause on wild-card entries was misunderstood and was normally awarded to the hosts if they do not have any player qualifying based on merit.
Although Malaysia are likely to have sufficient representation in all events, BAM should consider pushing for the inclusion of Fairuzizuan-Pei Tty under the wild-card.
Pei Tty, with partner Chin Eei Hui, have already qualified for the women’s doubles but they are not expected make an impact in the event which is dominated by China who will have three pairs in the major event.
Pei Tty has already won a surprise bronze medal with Koo Kien Keat in last year’s World Championships and she should hit form again partnering Fairuzizuan.