Table tennis coach sets realistic targets for Gold Coast

KUALA LUMPUR: Starting all over again is never easy.

That’s why national table tennis coach Beh Lee Wei has set a modest target for the young women’s team at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, from April 4-15.

The Malaysian women, led by Lee Wei and Ng Sock Khim, put up a splendid show at the Glasgow edition four years ago when they nailed a historic silver medal.

But veterans Lee Wei and Sock Khim have retired from the sport since then.

Without the experienced hands, the women’s team for the Gold Coast Games will be led by 17-yearold Alice Chang, who won the national title last month. The Table Tennis Association of Malaysia (TTAM) will finalise the names of other newcomers later.

Lee Wei said she would be happy if the girls reach the quarter-finals.

“The women’s squad that will compete in the Games is made up of young and inexperienced players,” said Lee Wei.

“The national body has not set a target but I’ll be happy if they can reach the quarter-finals.

“The women’s team will face a strong challenge from teams like Singapore, England, Australia and India in the team event,” added Lee Wei.

The national men’s team have never won a medal in the Commonwealth Games and they are unlikely to spring any surprises in this year’s edition too.

Lee Wei said the target for the men’s team was also a top-eight finish.

Meanwhile, the national table tennis players will be training at the new centre located at The Starling in Damansara Utama next month.

The centre, which will be officiated by TTAM president Tan Sri Koo Yeun Kim on Feb 2, will be used for training and competitions.

TTAM will organise the Perfect Malaysia Open championships at The Starling from Feb 2-4.

Perfect Group of Companies are the major sponsors and the championships will be divided into three divisions – elite, open and Under-12.