‘Tournaments more than just a testing ground’
international Jalani Sidek says events such as the Thomas Cup should not be a testing ground for the BA of Malaysia and their coaches.
Jalani, a Thomas Cup winner in 1992, was not pleased with Malaysia’s 3-2 defeat to defending champions Denmark in Wednesday’s final Group D tie.
While Lee Chong Wei and Lee Zii Jia delivered a point each, Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin along with Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and scratch pair Aaron Chia-Teo Ee Yi lost their respective matches.
"Malaysia cannot be banking on luck and the element of surprise alone. We must be sure and certain in whatever we do," said Jalani yesterday.
"Our men’s doubles need to deliver at least a point in ties as only then we can win.
“V Shem-Wee Kiong should have won against Mads Pieler Kolding-Mads Conrad Petersen. They are not even Denmark's No 1 pair.
"What irks me is that these players don't seem remorseful even when they lose. They must be held accountable as when they lose, the entire nation loses," Jalani lamented.
Jalani added that head coaches must also be firm when making decisions.
"Some of the head coaches push everything to others when things don't go their way. What is really going on?
"A head coach must be able to call the shot. Be firm. Coaches should not be using tournaments like the Thomas Cup as a testing ground.
"Players must be ready before the tournament. It is all about results,” he added.