Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Zakry-Fairuz going as sparring partners

WORLD No 10 Zakry Latif-Fairuzizuan Tazari, who failed to qualify, will nonetheless accompany the badminton squad to the Beijing Olympic Games as sparring partners.

The others picked to spar with the Olympic-bound players are up-and-coming shuttlers Tan Chun Seang, Chong Wei Feng and veteran James Chua.

National chief coach Yap Kim Hock said the shuttlers were selected by singles coaches Misbun Sidek and Wong Tat Meng and doubles coach Rexy Mainaky.

"The coaching committee agreed that our shuttlers needed quality sparring partners in Beijing," said Kim Hock at the National Sports Council (NSC) in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

"We regard those selected as sparring partners, except for James, as future Olympians and wanted them to experience the feel in Beijing."
The shuttlers who will be competing in the Olympics are World No 2 Lee Chong Wei, Wong Choong Hann, Wong Mew Choo, Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah, Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui.

The squad leave for Beijing on Aug 4.

Badminton, scheduled for Aug 9-17, will be held at the Beijing University of Technology gymnasium.

Kim Hock said the BAM has also booked a badminton arena near the tournament venue for training purposes. "It's only five minutes from the venue. We have also decided that our training sessions will be behind closed doors."

Meanwhile, Zakry said he was happy to be part of the team to Beijing.

"I'm determined to help my teammates prepare well for their respective events," he said.

Zakry-Fairuzizuan failed to qualify as Tan Fook-Wan Wah and Kien Keat-Boon Heong were ranked higher when the qualifying period ended.

Mew Choo, the World No 10, said she's happy to have sparring partners in the team.

"It will definitely help me condition myself before my event. However, it would have been better if there was one woman sparring partner in the team. Training with men is hard as they are much faster and fitter," said Mew Choo, who has the game to deny China the Olympic gold medal in the women's singlesWORLD No 10 Zakry Latif-Fairuzizuan Tazari, who failed to qualify, will nonetheless accompany the badminton squad to the Beijing Olympic Games as sparring partners.
The others picked to spar with the Olympic-bound players are up-and-coming shuttlers Tan Chun Seang, Chong Wei Feng and veteran James Chua.

National chief coach Yap Kim Hock said the shuttlers were selected by singles coaches Misbun Sidek and Wong Tat Meng and doubles coach Rexy Mainaky.

"The coaching committee agreed that our shuttlers needed quality sparring partners in Beijing," said Kim Hock at the National Sports Council (NSC) in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

"We regard those selected as sparring partners, except for James, as future Olympians and wanted them to experience the feel in Beijing."
The shuttlers who will be competing in the Olympics are World No 2 Lee Chong Wei, Wong Choong Hann, Wong Mew Choo, Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah, Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui.

The squad leave for Beijing on Aug 4.

Badminton, scheduled for Aug 9-17, will be held at the Beijing University of Technology gymnasium.

Kim Hock said the BAM has also booked a badminton arena near the tournament venue for training purposes. "It's only five minutes from the venue. We have also decided that our training sessions will be behind closed doors."

Meanwhile, Zakry said he was happy to be part of the team to Beijing.

"I'm determined to help my teammates prepare well for their respective events," he said.

Zakry-Fairuzizuan failed to qualify as Tan Fook-Wan Wah and Kien Keat-Boon Heong were ranked higher when the qualifying period ended.

Mew Choo, the World No 10, said she's happy to have sparring partners in the team.

"It will definitely help me condition myself before my event. However, it would have been better if there was one woman sparring partner in the team. Training with men is hard as they are much faster and fitter," said Mew Choo, who has the game to deny China the Olympic gold medal in the women's singles.

NST

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