Frost: We can do it
Dane believes Malaysia stand a chance to win Sudirman Cup
SEPANG: Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) technical director Morten Frost has picked Malaysia as one of six nations capable of winning the Sudirman Cup.
Malaysia are in Group C with Germany and Japan in the world mixed team competition, to be held in Gold Coast, Australia, from May 21-28.
“Our team’s strength may have been weakened through injuries and inconsistent performances, but I still believe we have a chance to win the Sudirman Cup,” said Frost.
“China are the favourites, but South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Denmark and Malaysia can win it too.”
Malaysia will name their final squad during the coaching and training committee meeting today, with three-time Olympic silver medallist Lee Chong Wei (men’s singles), Rio Olympic silver medallists Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong (men’s doubles), Goh Jin Wei (women’s singles) and Woon Khe Wei-Vivian Hoo (women’s dou-
bles) all set to make the cut.
It is still uncertain if top mixed doubles pair Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying, who won a silver in the Rio Olympics and finished second at this year’s All-England, will make it as Liu Ying is still recovering from a hand injury picked up during the Indian Open three weeks ago.
“Liu Ying is undergoing treatment ... we’ll discuss about her at the meeting tomorrow (today).
“V Shem-Wee Kiong are also struggling for form this year, having done exceptionally well last year by reaching the All-England semi-finals, winning a silver in Rio and ending the year with a title in Dubai (World Superseries Finals).
“I’ve been having lots of discussion with coach Jeremy (Gan) to help them regain their form and confidence,” said Frost after joining Peng Soon, Liu Ying, Liew Daren, Cheah Yee See at AirAsia’s #daretodream sports initiative programme.
As part of their support for the Malaysian team, AirAsia X will fly all the Sudirman Cup squad members to Gold Coast.
To commemorate the event yesterday, Peng Soon teamed up with Yee See for an exhibition match against AirAsia X Berhad chief operating officer Benyamin Ismail and his partner Daren, who is sponsored by the airline.
The airline also gave its staff the opportunity to play against Peng Soon, Daren and Yee See.
Five personnel who were able to win five points from the national players were given RM7,000 worth of tickets to watch the team play in Australia.
Under the #daretodream initiative, the airline also supports keirin world champion Azizulhasni Awang (cycling), Leong Mun Yee (diving), Fatehah Mustapa (cycling), Faiz Ariffin (bodybuilder) and Muizzuddin Musyaffa (go-kart driver).