SHUTTLERS URGED TO STEP UP IN CHONG WEI’S ABSENCE
Peng Soon urges teammates to step up in Chong Wei’s absence
SEPANG: National mixed doubles shuttler Chan Peng Soon has called on his teammates to step up in the absence of talisman Lee Chong Wei at the World Championships which begins on Monday in Nanjing, China.
The 30- year- old Olympic silver medallist believes the task of bringing back the elusive world title should not be shouldered by Chong Wei alone.
World No. 2 Chong Wei has missed out on his 11th straight appearance at the world meet due to a respiratory-related illness that will sideline him for at least one month.
But in the absence of the men’s singles ace, Peng Soon said Malaysia are just as capable of springing surprises in the men’s and mixed doubles events.
“It’s just really unfortunate that Chong Wei fell sick just before the World Championships,” said Peng Soon before the team’s departure at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport yesterday.
“Without him, the rest of us in other departments will have to deliver.
“It’s time for us to step up to the plate and share the responsibility.
“Based on the draw, I think we stand a chance in the men’s and mixed doubles. Let’s hope the women’s singles and women’s doubles can also put up a good show.
“It’s our dream to become world champions but before thinking ahead, we must always stay focused and take it one match at a time.”
Mixed doubles head coach Pang Cheh Chang said the team morale is unaffected by Chong Wei’s absence.
“It certainly felt like something missing without Chong Wei as he’s always around for a major tournament,” said Cheh Chang.
“I don’t really think it impacts the team in any way. If it’s a team event, then yes, it would be a big blow to lose a player of his calibre.
“But the World Championships is an individual tournament, so I guess everyone knows they have got a job to do.”
Recently- promoted men’s doubles head coach Paulus Firman has challenged his three pairs, especially Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong, to rise to the challenge and show that there’s more to this team than Chong Wei.
“Pressure to deliver? I don’t think so. I think it should motivate them instead. Over the years, the spotlight was always on Chong Wei, but this time the fans are counting on you to bring glory to the nation,” said the Indonesian trainer.
“So, I hope my players won’t be intimidated by the expectation. Take it as a motivation instead.”
The other players who left for Nanjing are Liew Daren ( men’s singles); V Shem, Wee Kiong, Ong Yew Sin, Teo Ee Yi, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik (men’s doubles); Goh Jin Wei and Soniia Cheah (women’s singles); Vivian Hoo and Woon Khe Wei (women’s doubles); and Goh Liu Ying, Goh Soon Huat, Shevon Lai Jemie, Tan Kian Meng and Lai Pei Jing (mixed doubles).
The other women’s doubles pair Chow Mei Kuan and Lee Meng Yean will travel to China from Russia as they are competing in the ongoing Russian Open in Vladivostock.