HOLDING OFF PAIRS PRESSURE
Soon Kit avoids unnecessary expectations on doubles players
HELMI TALKAH helmi.talkah@nstp.com.my Thomas Cup, need to play their part.
“The singles players are just as important and they have what it takes to contribute valuable points for the team.
“If I am to say that both pairs must contribute points, I am worried it will put unnecessary pressure on them.
“What is most important now is the preparation for the championship,” said Soon Kit.
On Wednesday, former national doubles specialist, Jalani Sidek said the doubles will play an important role for the national team in Alor Star due to the cur- rent situation of the men’s singles players.
Jalani said only Lee Chong Wei is seen as the player able to contribute points compared to the other singles shuttlers.
And as such, the two national doubles pairs must win in the team event.
Soon Kit made it known that doubles Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and Teo Ee Yi-Ong Yew Sin are almost certain to be shortlisted for the championship whereas the third pair is still to be decided.
V Shem-Wee Kiong, who have been reunited after they were separated for three months, returned to training today.
“For me to evaluate them during training is quite difficult because the situation differs from that of the championship.
“So it is still too early for me to make any comments as they will be taking part in the Thailand Masters from Jan 9 to 14, and that will be the best time for me to evaluate their performance.
“As for Ee Yi-Yew Sin, they are the country’s second best pair.
“They will also be evaluated during the Thailand Masters, said Soon Kit, who helped Malaysia win the Thomas Cup in Kuala Lumpur in 1992.