After Chong Wei, new Wei going forward
singles shuttler Cheam June Wei is fired up to make an impression following positive comments by national coach Misbun Sidek at the recent Thomas Cup in Bangkok.
According to Misbun, the World No 70 along with Lee Zii Jia and Leong Jun Hao are the ones likely to shine after World No 7 Lee Chong Wei retires.
The coach believes the trio will lead the men’s team in the next few Thomas Cup editions.
June Wei, who hit plateau in the last two years, got off to a reasonably good start this season by reaching three finals and winning one (Dutch Open).
When met at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara, the 21-year-old said: “I am definitely more confident now, and happy with the comments made by my coach (Misbun). But I am not there yet in terms of level. I have to push and work harder because I know he believes in me.
“My plan this year is to improve on my ranking, and maybe win a couple more titles, so I can go on to play in bigger tournaments."
June Wei also aims to break into the top-40 by December.
“My ultimate goal is to play in the Olympics. If everything goes well, I target to peak by the 2024 edition in Paris.
“To get there I need to focus on my training, and reflect on what I did right in the first few tournaments this year.
“My coach's comments have definitely fired me up,” he added.