kwun
03-13-2003, 07:25 PM
Stronger mixed doubles the key
BY RAJES PAUL - Star Online
KUALA LUMPUR: The mixed doubles event is set to become a specialised field in Malaysian badminton.
If all works out, those selected to play the mixed doubles will concentrate solely on the event and they may be trained by a specialist in the game.
National singles chief coach Misbun Sidek said yesterday that it was time for Malaysia to look seriously into the mixed doubles.
He added that having good mixed doubles pairs would enhance Malaysia's chances in the team events, especially in the Sudirman Cup world mixed team championships.
Malaysia are not in the championship division in the Sudirman Cup tournament, which begins in Eindhoven Tuesday.
They are in Division Two and have been drawn in Group A with Japan, Taiwan and Scotland. To win promotion to Division One, Malaysia have to top the group and also beat the winners of Group B, comprising Holland, Germany, Ukraine and Hong Kong.
“We should work towards having mixed doubles specialists. Currently, our men and women only do extra training when there is a major tournament coming up. This scenario should change,” said Misbun.
“By having a group of mixed doubles players, our women's players can also improve with regular sparring with mixed doubles pairs. They will develop better defence.
“We should identify players from young to specialise in the event. Even some of the women's or men's doubles players, who do not see a future in their respective fields, should give the mixed doubles a go before quitting. They may do better in the mixed doubles.
“Former players, among them Joanne Quay and Chor Hooi Yee, should have switched to mixed doubles before they left the squad.”
The groupings for Division Two and below of the Sudirman Cup have been redrawn following the withdrawal of Thailand from the championship division.
Misbun said that Malaysia had a chance to win promotion and much would depend on the result of the mixed doubles match.
The men are expected to contribute two points through the singles and doubles in all the ties. The women face a tough task in their matches and Malaysia will have to bank on the mixed doubles to deliver.
“There is a chance for Malaysia to top Group A. Japan are the strongest team in our group.
“If we top the group we are likely to meet Holland in the playoff for promotion,” said Misbun.
“Our women will have a tough time against the Mia Audina-led Holland but we can try to steal a point in the mixed doubles.”
Sweden have replaced Thailand in Group A of Division One and their opponents are defending champions China and South Korea. Group B has Denmark, Indonesia and England.
The Malaysian team for the championships comprise Lee Tsuen Seng, Yeoh Kay Bin, Choong Tan Fook, Lee Wan Wah, Koo Kien Keat (men) and women’s players Wong Mew Choo, Chin Eei Hui and Wong Pei Tty.
Malaysia have Kien Keat-Eei Hui as their first mixed doubles pair. Wan Wah-Pei Tty are the second combination.
BY RAJES PAUL - Star Online
KUALA LUMPUR: The mixed doubles event is set to become a specialised field in Malaysian badminton.
If all works out, those selected to play the mixed doubles will concentrate solely on the event and they may be trained by a specialist in the game.
National singles chief coach Misbun Sidek said yesterday that it was time for Malaysia to look seriously into the mixed doubles.
He added that having good mixed doubles pairs would enhance Malaysia's chances in the team events, especially in the Sudirman Cup world mixed team championships.
Malaysia are not in the championship division in the Sudirman Cup tournament, which begins in Eindhoven Tuesday.
They are in Division Two and have been drawn in Group A with Japan, Taiwan and Scotland. To win promotion to Division One, Malaysia have to top the group and also beat the winners of Group B, comprising Holland, Germany, Ukraine and Hong Kong.
“We should work towards having mixed doubles specialists. Currently, our men and women only do extra training when there is a major tournament coming up. This scenario should change,” said Misbun.
“By having a group of mixed doubles players, our women's players can also improve with regular sparring with mixed doubles pairs. They will develop better defence.
“We should identify players from young to specialise in the event. Even some of the women's or men's doubles players, who do not see a future in their respective fields, should give the mixed doubles a go before quitting. They may do better in the mixed doubles.
“Former players, among them Joanne Quay and Chor Hooi Yee, should have switched to mixed doubles before they left the squad.”
The groupings for Division Two and below of the Sudirman Cup have been redrawn following the withdrawal of Thailand from the championship division.
Misbun said that Malaysia had a chance to win promotion and much would depend on the result of the mixed doubles match.
The men are expected to contribute two points through the singles and doubles in all the ties. The women face a tough task in their matches and Malaysia will have to bank on the mixed doubles to deliver.
“There is a chance for Malaysia to top Group A. Japan are the strongest team in our group.
“If we top the group we are likely to meet Holland in the playoff for promotion,” said Misbun.
“Our women will have a tough time against the Mia Audina-led Holland but we can try to steal a point in the mixed doubles.”
Sweden have replaced Thailand in Group A of Division One and their opponents are defending champions China and South Korea. Group B has Denmark, Indonesia and England.
The Malaysian team for the championships comprise Lee Tsuen Seng, Yeoh Kay Bin, Choong Tan Fook, Lee Wan Wah, Koo Kien Keat (men) and women’s players Wong Mew Choo, Chin Eei Hui and Wong Pei Tty.
Malaysia have Kien Keat-Eei Hui as their first mixed doubles pair. Wan Wah-Pei Tty are the second combination.