COUNTING ON YOUTH POWER

Aaron-Wooi Yik can make a solid team for Sudirman Cup

REGARDLESS of the outcome of the draw tomorrow, Malaysia are set to put together a solid team for the Sudirman Cup this year. Rio Olympic Games silver medallist Goh V Shem believes the rise of several young players in the national squad has added more depth to the Malaysian team that have yet to taste success in the world mixed team event since its inception in 1989.

Having regained his form with partner Tan Wee Kiong recently, V Shem hopes to earn a national call-up for the meet in Nanjing, China on May 19-26.

“Of course, everyone will be hoping for a favourable draw but that is not the main thing. If we can focus and work together as a team, I see us having a very good tournament.

“Some of the youngsters like Aaron ChiaSoh Wooi Yik have done really well and that gives us more options when it comes to a tournament like the Sudirman Cup.

“There are so many other countries who will be putting up a strong team but I believe we can at least reach the quarter or semifinal stage if we play it right," said V Shem.

The Sudirman Cup this year is also the first tournament to offer Olympic ranking points.

The one-year Olympic qualifying period ends in May 2020.

“This time around, it’s a little different because several senior players are no longer under the BA of Malaysia (BAM).

“That, however, should not stop us from doing our national duty for the country.

“Should BAM call us to be part of the team for the Sudirman Cup, then we are ready,” added V Shem, who with Wee Kiong are ranked No 13 in the world, making them the country's No 1 duo.

Two rungs below them are All England runners-up Aaron-Wooi Yik.

The other seniors hoping for a national call up are mixed doubles Chan Peng SoonGoh Liu Ying.

Malaysia’s best outing in the mixed team event was back in 2009 in Guangzhou, China, when they reached the semi-finals.