New Straits Times » Sport Singles players let us down, says Misbun May 13: MALAYSIA, as far as national singles coach Misbun Sidek was concerned, were let down by the singles shuttlers in the 3-1 defeat to Indonesia in the quarter-finals of the Thomas Cup yesterday. The plan was, according to Misbun, to take points from two singles and a doubles, but while the veteran pair of Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah delivered, the singles cast, led by Wong Choong Hann and Roslin Hashim failed the team. "Our strategy was to win two points from the singles, the first and the third (Mohamed Hafiz Hashim) and one point from the doubles," said Misbun. "Unfortunately, Choong Hann failed to get the better of Sony (Dwi Kuncoro) and from then on, we knew it would be an uphill struggle. As such, I'm not surprised with the loss." Malaysia had the opportunity to win the tie against Indonesia, but the singles challenge fell flat eventhough Tan Fook-Wan Wah played an outstanding match to put Malaysia on level points. Choong Hann, who was beaten twice in the Sea Games last year by Sony, failed to get past the Indonesia again as he lost the plot midway through the game before losing 15-12, 15-6. Roslin also failed to get past Taufik Hidayat with another poor display as the reigning Asian champion outplayed and outwitted the Malaysian in all departments. "I could not field (Lee) Chong Wei because he injured his ankle in his match against Thailand," added Misbun. But we were the underdogs after losing to Indonesia in the 2002 final and in the Sea Games as well." National doubles coach Yap Kim Hock also was critical of Chew Choon Eng's performance in the second doubles. Choon Eng, who partnered 19-year-old Koo Kien Keat, failed to provide the cover and guidance so needed, especially during the crucial stages of the match against Flandi Limpele-Eng Hian. "It was a case where the 19-year-old played better than the 27-year-old," said Kim Hock. "They were not under any pressure but as I look at it, it was a valuable learning experience for all of them."
I don't believe it, kwun actually made exactly the same mistake as I did, I don't feel so bad now http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=15635
Coaches are supposed to help players prepare for a game. If the players didn't perform to their expected level, the coaches should take half of the responsibilites also.
Putting Roslin against Taufik is totally out of question. Despite a bad track records against Taufik, Roslin is picked coz he was said to have the experience and exposure of handling the situation. Assign a rally player against an attacking player like Taufik... very funny. The result tells...
Roslin might have had to play so that the 3rd singles be selected. i.e. any M'sian playing taufik would have lost...so choose the order in such a way that your 3rd singles player is the one you want to win the match.
Hafiz would have a chance against Taufik. He's faster than Roslin and is also an attacking player. Problem is, Misbun might not fancy Lee Tsuen Seng's chances against Simon Santoso even if Hafiz won. Tsuen Seng does not have staying power.
Lee CW was injured according to one report. that was the reason behind Roslin. Misbun had little choice there.
Is fighting spirit too much to ask? I agree Misbun had little choice. But the players too had a choice on how they choose to fight. This can do wonders to the team spirit, even if they themselves still lose. In the 1988 semis, Misbun himself, knowing that he had no chance to win, fought hard against Icuk. He lost in 3 games. But his teammates rode on to that spirit and ended up with Ong Beng Teong/Cheah Soon Kit scratch pair beating Lim Swee King/Ertanto 14-17, 15-1, 15-12. Malaysia won 3-2 and I was there in the stadium. Indon supporters outnumber M'sians on that day. In the 2000 final, Hendrawan did the same thing for his team against Gade. And of course Indon beat Denmark 3-2 despite unexpectedly dropping another pt when Chandra/Sigit lost. In 2002, Choon Han fought valiantly against the guy he possibly can never beat, Xia Xuanze. And despite his loss, M'sia took the next 3 matches. And this is when M'sian doubles players are not comfortable playing the 7 pts system, and Hafiz was an unknown.
