Ying Ying has no place in coach Seu Bock’s plans

NATIONAL women’s singles coach Tey Seu Bock has no intention of making changes to his squad for next month’s Asia Team Championships in Alor Star.

Instead, Seu Bock has decided to stand by his selection of players even if it means leaving the inform Lee Ying Ying out of the competition.

Ying Ying, 20, caught the attention of many when she reached the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Masters on Thursday by ousting World No 15 Aya Ohori of Japan at the Axiata Arena.

The 2015 World Junior Championships runner-up, however, lost in the last-eight to reigning Olympic champion Carolina Marin of Spain.

Ying Ying, the World No 49, also made the quarter-finals of the Thailand Masters last week.

Kuala Lumpur Sea Games gold medallist Goh Jin Wei, Soniia Cheah, Lim Yin Fun and S. Kisona are the selected singles players for the Asian meet.

Seu Bock believes Yin Fun and Kisona are mentally stronger compared to Ying Ying for the third singles slot

“It is not easy to play the third singles in a team event. I need someone who is mentally strong. Yin Fun and Kisona have got the upper hand over Ying Ying.

“Their style of play is not that different. I want Ying Ying to continue playing well. I want to see consistency.

“If she can do that, then I may just list her for the Uber Cup in Bangkok in May, should we qualify,” said Seu Bock.

The Asian Team Championships, which is a qualifier for the Uber Cup, is scheduled on Feb 6-11.

Seu Bock is also satisfied with the performances of the trainees in the Thailand Masters and the Malaysia Masters — the opening two events on this year’s World Tour.

Ying Ying did well in both tournaments while Jin Wei reached the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Masters. Soniia and Kisona made the last-four of last week’s Thailand Masters.

“It’s a good start. I hope to see them doing better in upcoming events,” he added