‘BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, NOT LUCK’
Choong Hann urges national shuttlers to prove themselves
IT may be an uphill task for national shuttlers to make an impact in the Malaysia Masters which starts today but BAM coaching director, Wong Choong Hann wants them to believe in themselves, not luck or other factors,
Citing the recent Thailand Masters as an example, Choong Hann believes it’s just a matter of time before several second stringers begin fighting for honours.
This include players like Lee Zii Jia, Cheam June Wei (men’s singles), Goh Jin Wei, Lee Ying Ying (women’s singles) and men’s doubles Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani.
However, only Zii Jia, Jin Wei, Ying Ying and Aaron-Wooi Yik will compete in the tournament at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
“I never got to watch all the matches in Thailand but I managed to catch a few.
“Overall, I think the players played better than we had expected, with some of them having upset top players who are ranked higher than them.
“I believe our players need to believe in themselves more, that it is their own hard work that will get them far. It is not luck and it is not your opponent handing you a win, and we, as players sometimes forget that,” said Choong Hann, who retired as a player in 2008 after the Beijing Olympics.
Choong Hann added that ability and strength can be built over time, but self belief must be instilled from an early age.
The former World No 1 added that there is no additional pressure on him, following the departure of newly crowned Thailand Masters champions, Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying, who quit BAM to turn professional last month.
“Nothing has changed, in fact I hope our current players will learn from their more established former teammates.
“It shows that you can be anywhere and still be a top player.
“At the Thailand Masters, our national No 2 (Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi) lost to V Shem-Wee Kiong in the quarter-finals and they know that they are still not as good.
“And there is no shame is recognising your weakness. I think it’s a shame if you don’t do anything about it.
“The Malaysia Masters will not be easy and on paper our players might not be able make a huge impact but I want them to believe in themselves.
“Go out there and do your best, do not fear your opponents,” added Choong Hann.
The oher national players who will compete in the main draw of the Malaysia Masters are mixed doubles’ Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie, Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing, women’s doubles’ Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yean and women’s singles’ Soniia Cheah.