The state of Penang has produced the most singles champions : 50s- Ooi Teck Hock and Eddy Choong 60s- Teh Kew San and Tan Aik Huang 70s Saw Swee Leong 90s- Ong Ewe Hock 2000+-Lee Chong Wei Exceptopns are Wong Peng Soon, Gunalan, Misbun, and Wong Choon Han. I have heard that facilities in Penang are actually threadbare and its mostly thru Eddy's personal efforts in developing local talent. There was also a documentary on Astro AEC last monday called my New Village documenting Mr. Teh, LCW's coach in Bukit Mertajam which I missed. is there any reason why so many are from Penang?
Well Gunalan was msia's no.1 in the early 70s after Tan Aik Huang retired. He was also notable in doubles where he was champion in 1969 AE. Of course he cannot be compared to many others but he was the best available in his time. You can watch him playing Rudy in 1974 AE on youtube or a clip of him in doubles in the 1970 Thomas cup Final also on youtube. In 1970 he was supposed to be the star to win the thomas cup for msia, but it turned out differently, Rudy Hartono won 4 points for Indonesia.
