Shevon vows to come back stronger

recent comments by BA of Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria, following the national squad’s poor performance at the All England last week, has hit home hard.

In response, mixed doubles shuttler Shevon Lai Jemie has vowed to bounce back stronger than ever, as Malaysia gear up for the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, next month.

Shevon — who makes up the national No 1 mixed doubles with partner Goh Soon Huat — were among the Malaysian shuttlers who were knocked out in the opening round in Birmingham last week.

Ironically, Soon Huat-Shevon, clinched the German Open title in Mulheim, just a week earlier.

Only men’s singles Lee Chong Wei, and men’s doubles Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong, reached the All England quarter-finals.

This is a far cry from last year’s achievement, with Chong Wei claiming the title, and mixed doubles’ Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying reaching the final.

Shevon, when contacted yesterday, said: “The defeats definitely hit all the players hard.

“We all tried our best but after this, we have to push even harder than before.”

On the upcoming Commonwealth Games, Shevon said: “Of course we would love to have more time to prepare. However, for now, we have to make the best with what ever little time that we have left.”

With less than two weeks to go before the multi-event competition, Norza is expected to make some drastic changes, beginning with a meeting with the national coaches today.

Last Sunday, in an NSTP Sport report, Norza slammed the national shuttlers for their lacklustre display and inconsistency in recent tournaments.

“The players must realise that every time they go abroad to play in tournaments, their duty is to give their best. They are not there for vacation,” lamented Norza.