TOUGHEN UP FOR THOMAS CUP

Misbun urges shuttlers to work on physical strength

NATIONAL men’s singles coach Misbun Sidek wants his players to toughen up for the Thomas Cup in Bangkok in May. He cited that some who played in the Asia Team Championships lacked the physical strength.

“They are on par with the best players in terms of technical aspect. We need a systematic programme to help our players improve their physical strength,” said Misbun in Alor Star.

“When a player works on his physical strength, it will also help in improving his mental toughness.”

Misbun said: “We need to work on our weaknesses ahead of the Thomas Cup.”

“A proper plan must be implemented and only pick those good enough to play in Bangkok,” he said.

Misbun is also satisfied with the performances of Lee Zii Jia, Soong Joo Ven and Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin at the Asia Team event.

Malaysia were ousted 3-1 by China in the semi-finals in Alor Star on Saturday.

“I also brought Leong Jun Hao to Alor Star so that he can watch top players in action. It is a strategy to help him gain ideas and make inroads,” he added.

BA of Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria praised Malaysia’s performance in Alor Star but hinted that there could be changes in the team for the Thomas Cup.

“After the shock defeat to Thailand in the group stage, the team bounced back to make the semi-finals. We have three months to prepare for the Thomas Cup,” said Norza,