. Who is Zulfadli Zulkifli? The 17-year-old, playing for Kuala Lumpur, knows that he is not ready for the big stage just yet and his task is to concentrate on working to become the first Malaysian to emerge as the singles champion in both the Asian and world junior championships next year (2011). “I will focus on ending my junior career on a high note next year.” Zulfadli will no longer be eligible to compete in the Asian and world junior championships in 2012. “Currently, my world ranking is quite low. I will continue to play in international tournaments to win ranking points and also to gain as much experience as possible,” he said. On whether he would want to join the national badminton set-up now that he has completed his SPM, Zulfadli said: “I have not decided yet. “Anyway, there is not much difference whether I am in or out. I only miss out on quality sparring but I can make up by competing in many tournaments.” Source: http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2010/12/18/sports/7649288&sec=sports .
Well, I think that BAM would be losing out if they didn't bring in this guy to the national set up. If you think about it, there is nobody that is ready to step up to the mark, and replace LCW. So they are better off taking a chance on this guy, and hope that he can be a future top 15 player. Like I said BAM so far have chucked away the players they deemed not good enough, and the ones they have kept still aren't good enough. It's a vicious circle, which will only continue unless BAM identify talented players early and then train them up. They have to be dedicated as well. However BAM will not achieve immediate success with this, and it still carries it's risks, but it's the only solution I feel to a problem that is going to be created once LCW calls it quits.
ZZ is happy with his father's coaching . I met up with Zulfadli Zulkifli and his father when they came to our 2010 Australian Open GP. Zulfadli has been coached/trained by his father. I believe that ZZ is happy with his father's coaching and therefore said to the press; "Anyway, there is not much difference whether I am in or out (of BAM). I only miss out on quality sparring but I can make up by competing in many tournaments". Perhaps, ZZ is thinking of going independent. Or, maybe would join BAM later. I believe that BAM want him to be included in their training already. .
Well he is clearly talented and has very good potential, the quality of coaching from his Dad is obviously very high. It's a big decision to make, joining BAM or playing independent.
Wah, Zul so fast got his thread already. He is quite a good player on the junior scene, and he has many ideas and shots of his own but maybe lack of quality sparring has stopped him going further. He lost to eventual champion Huang Yuxiang in the semi-finals of the AJC despite beating his opponent a week before. This shows the quality of Chinese coaches in analysing past matches.
yes, zz is a fine player and indeed he can go far. as for training with his father, yes he has become a highly skilled player but still lack the physical part and others. he should think of his future this way, sacrifice sometime in bam eventhough he opt for his father to train him. or work out something with isn, the natonal sports institute.
Zufadli didnt ditch BAM since he never joined. His dad signed him under KLRC(since Zul is a minor) when he was 14 or 15, now I think he's still sponsored by KLRC since I can see KLRC logo on his shirt. From past years press interviews, I got the impression that it's due to academic & more freedom in selection of tournaments. Maybe, just maybe, the $$$ deal better as independent, for now? Academic classes is not emphasized in BJSS from what I heard & also what have been posted in BC. Zul has had the opportunity to go many more international tournaments as compared to BJSS players.
He should have joined the Sg International. Better prize money. So, next year he is coming? KLRC still alive?
Some of Zulfadli Zulkifli's better results . Perhaps we could list some of Zulfadli's better results; * Sweden International Junior 2005 (Under 13) - Champion * Europe International Junior 2006 (Under 15) - Champion * Yonex Sunrise Malaysia International Challenge 2007 - Champion * Sukan Teras 100Plus National Junior Circuit 2008 - Champion * Kedah Open 2009 (Under 21) - Champion * National Schools (MSSM) Badminton Championships 2009 (Under 18) - Champion .
..decision time whether to join BAM or not will come after his high school is over..however, last time i chatted with Zulfadli's daddy, whether Zulfadli joins BAM or not, the plan is for him to go into FT training and competing more internationally once he finishes high school..yes, he has been and is being touted as LCW's replacement in the future (even LCW mentioned it to his dad also)..
In Chinese, there's a proverb goes something like this "小时了了，大未必佳"... can someone ple help me to translate to English?
He is still studying... He studies at SMK Damansara Utama.. Play with him on thursday sometime at SBA hall...
