No bed of Ros-es

Women’s doubles coach racing against time to whip up winning pair

PETALING JAYA: Rosman Razak

(pic) could not have asked for a tougher first task in his new role as the women’s doubles head coach.

The 42- year- old, who was switched over from men’s doubles, has less than two months to whip up a pair ready to challenge for the gold medal at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

World No. 16 Vivian Hoo-Woon

Khe Wei are the defending Commonwealth Games gold medallists but the latter has been ruled out of action for at least six weeks due to a knee injury.

The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have named the 23-year-old Chow Mei Kuan as a replacement to form a scratch partnership with 27-year-old Vivian.

However, Vivian- Mei Kuan have only played together once – at the Malaysian Masters last year – and they won’t have a chance to test their new partnership until the Commonwealth Games which starts from April 5-15.

“I’m grateful to the BAM management for having faith in me and giving me a chance to head the women’s doubles department,” said Rosman, who will be aided by Wong Pei Tty.

“The short term is definitely a challenge. Although Khe Wei is injured, the target for the Commonwealth Gam es is still the same ... we need a gold.

“Mei Kuan is the next most senior player in the team and has much potential so she’s the first choice to partner Vivian.

“But I’m still open to my choices. I need a bit more time to see who’s a better fit for Vivian.

“And with just six to seven weeks left, there is really not much time so this is a huge challenge indeed.”

Rosman also added the long-term plan was definitely to strengthen the department as a whole.

“Personally I feel that Vivian-Khe Wei are still the No. 1 pair in the country and they’re very capable of producing the results,” said Rosman.

“But with Khe Wei out and (Lee) Meng Yean also injured for a month, I need to discuss with the other coaches and assess the other players.”

The other women’s doubles shuttlers in the set-up are Tee Jing Yi-Soong Fie Cho, Lim Chiew Sien, Yap Zhen, Yap Cheng Wen, Goh Yea Ching and Teoh Mei Xing.