Soon Hock-Thien How set to win Thomas Cup spot
News 10:17 AM
PETALING JAYA: None of the men’s doubles back-up pairs have impressed the coaches at the ongoing Asian Badminton Championships (ABC) in New Delhi.
But, based on their ability to handle pressure, Ong Soon Hock-Hoon Thien How are set to be named as the third pair in the Malaysian squad for the Thomas Cup Finals, which will be held at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil from May 9-16.
The top two pairs assured of their places are seasoned campaigners Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif.
Thien How-Soon Hock and Hee Chun-Wee Kiong took part in the ABC but both pairs were knocked out in the quarter-finals while youngsters Peng Soon-Khim Wah’s only notable achievement was winning the Thailand Open last year.
National chief coach Rexy Mainaky said that Soon Hock-Thien How held a slight advantage over Hee Chun-Wee Kiong and Peng Soon-Khim Wah based on their fighting displays during the Malaysian Open in January.
Then, the duo, spurred on by the home crowd, pulled off a major upset by beating defending champions Lee Yong-dae-Jung Jae-sung of South Korea.
It was their biggest career win.
“The selection of the pair is not solely based on their performances. If it is based on results, there is little that separates them in terms of standard.
“All these three pairs have their strong and weak points,” said Rexy.
“But I base my selection on the players’ ability to handle pressure. Soon Hock and Thien How relished playing in front of the home crowd. Instead of buckling under pressure, the home support gave them the extra motivation to do well.
“This is what I am looking for in a player.
“They have showed that they can take the pressure and were brave enough to stand up to the challenge.”
Rexy said they would finalise the naming of the third pair during a meeting between the coaches (Rosman Razak, Tan Kim Her, Jeremy Gan) and the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) general manager Kenny Goh tomorrow.
“The coaches have to be unanimous in their decision. We will hear all their opinions during the meeting on Monday before deciding on the best doubles pair for the Finals,” said Rexy.
The singles players set to be named for the Finals are world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei, Wong Choong Hann, Mohd Hafiz Hashim and reserve Tan Chun Seang.
For the record, Malaysia last won the Thomas Cup in 1992 at Stadium Negara. Malaysia also hosted the Finals in 2000 but failed to even make the semi-finals.
But, based on their ability to handle pressure, Ong Soon Hock-Hoon Thien How are set to be named as the third pair in the Malaysian squad for the Thomas Cup Finals, which will be held at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil from May 9-16.
The top two pairs assured of their places are seasoned campaigners Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif.
Thien How-Soon Hock and Hee Chun-Wee Kiong took part in the ABC but both pairs were knocked out in the quarter-finals while youngsters Peng Soon-Khim Wah’s only notable achievement was winning the Thailand Open last year.
National chief coach Rexy Mainaky said that Soon Hock-Thien How held a slight advantage over Hee Chun-Wee Kiong and Peng Soon-Khim Wah based on their fighting displays during the Malaysian Open in January.
Then, the duo, spurred on by the home crowd, pulled off a major upset by beating defending champions Lee Yong-dae-Jung Jae-sung of South Korea.
It was their biggest career win.
“The selection of the pair is not solely based on their performances. If it is based on results, there is little that separates them in terms of standard.
“All these three pairs have their strong and weak points,” said Rexy.
“But I base my selection on the players’ ability to handle pressure. Soon Hock and Thien How relished playing in front of the home crowd. Instead of buckling under pressure, the home support gave them the extra motivation to do well.
“This is what I am looking for in a player.
“They have showed that they can take the pressure and were brave enough to stand up to the challenge.”
Rexy said they would finalise the naming of the third pair during a meeting between the coaches (Rosman Razak, Tan Kim Her, Jeremy Gan) and the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) general manager Kenny Goh tomorrow.
“The coaches have to be unanimous in their decision. We will hear all their opinions during the meeting on Monday before deciding on the best doubles pair for the Finals,” said Rexy.
The singles players set to be named for the Finals are world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei, Wong Choong Hann, Mohd Hafiz Hashim and reserve Tan Chun Seang.
For the record, Malaysia last won the Thomas Cup in 1992 at Stadium Negara. Malaysia also hosted the Finals in 2000 but failed to even make the semi-finals.
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 10:17 AM.
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