BUKIT KIARA: There is no easy path for national men’s singles champion Lee Chong Wei in getting a slot for the Sudirman Cup which takes place in Nanning, China come May 19 (Sunday).
National men’s singles head coach, Misbun Sidek said that even though Chong Wei’s name is in the list of shuttlers shortlisted for the mixed team championships together with a few other singles players, the former World No 1 will still need to prove that he is well and truly ready.
“in a team event or competition, each and every point that we can earn and pick up is very important. So as to whether Chong Wei is able to feature and cotribute positively just like any other player who is selected is very much important.
“From what Ive seen up till now, his performance in training is still not up to mark when compared against his own standards. Perhaps he is just being cautious and taking things one step at a time.
“Based on the feedback that Ive gotten from Hendrawan who is his coach, the training he has taken part in thus far is relatively ordinary.
“In order to compete at the highest level, CHong Wei will have to work even harder,” said Misbun after national team training earlier today (Friday).
When asked about Chong Wei’s chances of being selected for the mixed team championships and making his long awaited return as well after being out of action for close to a year after undergoing treatment for early stage nose cancer, Misbun replied that he cannot divulge any such information for the time being.
“It’s not fair to the other players. What’s important is that we assess each and every player.
“We also need to evaluate the team’s prospects as well as target for the Sudirman Cup, and then we’ll see and go on from there,” he said.
