JOO VEN SALUTES COACHES

Victorious World No 81 pays tribute to them for keeping faith in him

SOONG Joo Ven paid tribute to the national coaches for giving his career a boost after winning the national men’s singles crown in Ipoh yesterday. Many thought the World No 81 would be dropped from the national team but the shuttler was retained despite under performing.

However, Joo Ven showed his worth at the National Championships by overcoming World No 114 Leong Jun Hao in the final.

The 23-year-old won the first game 2113 and led the second 7-1 when Jun Hao retired due to an injury.

“I was not too worried about the rumours (of being among those to be dropped). Instead, I focused on my training and competitions,” said Joo Ven.

“I must thank those who have helped me throughout my career. Head coach Misbun Sidek and his assistants Hendrawan and Indra Wijaya each played important roles in helping me discover my true potential.

“My win today is a team effort with my coaches and teammates.”

Joo Ven, a runner-up at the 2012 Asian Junior Championships, hopes yesterday’s win will raise his performance in his quest to win a major international title.

The shuttler left for Muelheim yesterday for the German Open which starts on Tuesday.

“I will use my win at the national meet to motivate myself for bigger tournaments. I hope to win a major international crown this year,” Joo Ven added.

RESULTS (All Finals) — Men’s singles: Soong Joo Ven bt Leong Jun Hao 2113, 7-1 (rtd); Doubles: Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi bt Aaron Soh-Chia Teng Fong 21-12, 2119; Women’s singles: Soniia Cheah bt Goh Jin We 21-10, 21-14; Doubles: Anna Cheong-Lim Chiew Sien bt Cheah Yee See-Teoh Mei Xing 23-21, 21-17; Mixed doubles: Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying bt Hoo Pang Ron-Shevon Lai 17-21, 21-13, 21-19.

I must thank those who have helped me throughout my career. Head coach Misbun Sidek and his assistants Hendrawan and Indra Wijaya each played important roles in helping me discover my true potential.