Badminton/World Championships: Li Mao steps in for sick Misbun 08 Sep 2006 K. M. BOOPATHY -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MISBUN Sidek’s enforced absence has given Chinese coach Li Mao, the man responsible for Lee Chong Wei’s rapid progress, an opportunity to work his magic on Hafiz Hashim as well. Not on a permanent basis, but at least, for the next 10 days. Misbun, who is down with with chicken pox, is only expected to leave for Madrid on Sept 16, two days before the World Championships begin in Madrid. Misbun was diagnosed with the illness three days ago and could not board the flight with the rest of the World Championship-bound shuttlers and officials on Wednesday as he must serve a 10-day quarantine period. The BA of Malaysia (BAM) secretary P. Ganga Rao said Li Mao has agreed to guide Hafiz during Misbun’s absence. "The arrangement is only temporary until Misbun recovers and completes the quarantine period. He is expected to leave for Madrid on Sept 16," said Ganga. "Hafiz already has his programme and Li Mao will be monitoring his training in Madrid. Misbun should be able to take charge when the tournament starts on Sept 18." This is the latest of Misbun’s jinx when it comes to major events as he was barred from leaving the country by Malaysian Immigration authorities at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport for the 2004 Athens Olympics. It was learnt that Misbun was blacklisted because of a financial problem with a banking institution but the National Sports Council (NSC) intervened and resolved the issue with the relevant authorities. Misbun was cleared to leave the country after a couple days. However, Misbun has been regularly travelling with Hafiz for the grand prix tournaments this year. Hafiz and his brother Roslin are the only players who have never trained under Li Mao and it may turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the former in Madrid. Hafiz, a gifted attacking player, now prefers stroke-play but the switch has not been working for him. However, Li Mao emphasises on attack and has transformed Chong Wei into an aggressive shuttler and Hafiz could benefit from it as well. An attack-minded Hafiz may just improve on his two previous second round exits in 2003 and 2005. There were suggestions after the Thomas Cup in May that Li Mao’s training may suit Hafiz’s style of play but the shuttler has remained loyal to Misbun’s ways. The centralised training will also give Hafiz the chance to spar with Chong Wei, Kuan Beng Hong and two other players — James Chua and K. Yogendran — who are in Madrid as sparring partners. Hafiz’s training under Misbun is conducted separately at the Nusa Mahsuri training centre in Kelana Jaya and the 24-year-old shuttler only joins the rest of the national team for sparring sessions twice a week. BAM events committee chairman Datuk Al Amin Majid also withdrew as the team manager due to personal reasons and a replacement, who is expected to be deputy president Datuk Roland Wong, is expected to join the squad next week. Meanwhile, men’s doubles coach Rexy Mainaky will leave for Madrid on Saturday.
