TheStar

PETALING JAYA: The national badminton team are not only getting help from the coaches but from some good sparring partners as well.

Six players have been employed as full-time sparring partners for the national training squad at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara.

Tan Zhao Rong and Lim Chin Loon are currently sparring partners for the singles players under China's Li Mao and Misbun Sidek.

Former national doubles players Hong Chieng Hun and Chan Huan Chun are the sparring pair for the men's doubles department under Yap Kim Hock.

Yeoh Kay Lun and Liew Gavin are the sparring pair for the women's doubles under Cheah Soon Kit.

The decision to take in sparring players for the national team will not only help the players when it comes to getting quality sparring but it is another way for players who are dropped from the squad to contribute to the team.

The sparring partners will also be allowed to compete in local and satellite tournaments.