Misbun won’t invite independent shuttlers
NATIONAL men’s singles coach Misbun Sidek has no plans to invite Zulfadli Zulkiffli and other independent shuttlers for next month’s Asian Team Championship, which doubles up as a Thomas Cup qualifier, in Alor Star.
However, Misbun, a former national champion, said it does not mean that he is not open to the idea of having independent players train under one roof with BA of Malaysia (BAM) shuttlers.
“If we invite independent players then there could be an issue whether these shuttlers can accept our training programme,” said Misbun in Bukit Kiara yesterday.
“The Asian Team Championship is a competition where every player needs to give their best in order for Malaysia to win.
“We have many quality independent shuttlers in the country. Liew Daren, Chong Wei Feng and Zulfadli are among the independent shuttlers with talent.
BAM are expected to name only their players for the competition.
“We wait for the outcome of the coaching and training (C&T) committee meeting. I do not want to speculate and make statements on the selection process.
“I will propose a list of players for the tournament to BAM president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria for the next course of action,” Misbun added.
Norza is expected to announce the Asian championship team after the C&T meeting on Thursday.
Lee Zii Jia, Soong Joo Ven, Lim Chi Wing and Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin are among the men’s singles shuttlers being considered to join World No 2 Lee Chong Wei in the tournament. Ferzalfie Fauzi