Strut your stuff, Aaron tells new players
KUALA LUMPUR: New players representing Malaysia in the 2019 Sudirman Cup badminton championship should seize the opportunity and show their mettle on the world stage.
National men's doubles player Aaron Chia said it is time for the new players to show their potential when playing against the world's best.
In fact, Malaysia despite being the underdogs could rely on the fighting spirit of the relatively young team to create an upset or two, he said.
“The new players in the squad are the best. All are going as underdogs.
“Of course if we field senior players they have their own supporters and fans. For the new players, this is an opportunity to prove to the country's supporters and fans that they are also capable of creating upsets and giving strong teams a run for their money,” he said.
Aaron was met at the Malaysian Badminton Academy in Bukit Kiara here after a training session in preparation for the Sudirman Cup in Nanning, China from May 19 to 26.
Aaron and his partner Soh Wooi Yik will be making their debut in the Sudirman Cup, and he has promised to give his best against China, one of the favourites for the title.
Apart from Aaron-Wooi Yik, another national pair picked for the championship are Ong Yiew Sin-Teo Ee Yi.
If fielded, All England runners-up Aaron-Wooi Yik will be up against China's Li Junhui-Liu Yuchen or Han Chengkai-Zhou Haodong, ranked third and 10th respectively in the world.
“The two pairs listed by China are strong opponents, both in the top 10. But we will give our best and if possible surprise China.
“Team events are not like ordinary championships. It requires us to work closely with our teammates to manage the pressure,” Aaron said.
Meanwhile, women's doubles player Vivian Hoo said no matter what the outcome in Nanning, the new players would definitely gain from the exposure.
“Our group's name list shows more of younger players. It is really a good learning process for them, especially players like Lee Zii Jia, Aaron and Wooi Yik. It is time for them to show their worth,” she said.
Vivian, who is partnering Yap Cheng Wen, said China are the strongest in the group and enjoy homeground advantage while India are also tough opponents.
“Against India, it will be tough, a close match, and we cannot take it easy because we lost to them once in the Commonwealth Games. We must be really prepared,” said Vivian.
Malaysia have been drawn in Group D with China and India. In the last edition two years ago in Gold Coast, Australia, Malaysia qualified for the quarterfinals.
Malaysia have never won the Sudirman Cup since it was introduced in 1989, with their best performance being a semifinal appearance in the 2009 championship in Guangzhou, China. - Bernama