Hafiz draws inspiration from his baby girl to start campaign
News 10:04 AM
SHUTTLER Mohd Hafiz Hashim will have his baby girl as an inspiration to start his campaign in the Thomas Cup Finals on a flying note.
On Sunday, one-and-half-year-old Hanna Sofilea was in the stadium but Hafiz did not get to see action because Nigeria did not show up.
“She may be too young to know what is happening but I feel good in her presence,” said Hafiz.
“In fact, she surprised me a few days ago when she was watching a badminton match on television and uttered 'papa' while pointing at the screen.
Happy family man: Hafiz Hashim in the stands with his daughter, Hanna Sofilea, and his wife, Nazatul Shima Nazari (left). - Bernama “That was a special moment for me.”
Hafiz is the third ranked Malaysian singles player and he is expected to play against Shoji Sato in the tie against Japan today.
Shoji is the fourth ranked Japanese behind Sho Sasaki but Japan are likely to field him based on his experience.
“The record in matches between Sato and I is even but it has been some time since we last played against each other,” said Hafiz.
“He has been playing in doubles for some time now. I am sure his game has changed a little.
“I will be ready to face him.”
Hafiz and Sato used to be sparring partners many years ago when the Japanese often came to Malaysia for short stints with national singles coach Misbun Sidek at the Nusa Mahsuri club.
Said Hafiz's coach Hendrawan of Sato: “He is a runner and Hafiz has to be ready for that. Hafiz is in good condition and we hope for the best.
“Sato played in the Thomas Cup qualifiers (in February) and the Asian championships (ABC) in India.
“I did not get to see him play but I am sure that he is getting the hang of playing singles again.”
Barring any upset, the tie is likely to be decided before it reaches the fifth match involving Hafiz. But the tie may just go down to the wire, and Hafiz will have to cope with the pressure to deliver.
On Sunday, one-and-half-year-old Hanna Sofilea was in the stadium but Hafiz did not get to see action because Nigeria did not show up.
“She may be too young to know what is happening but I feel good in her presence,” said Hafiz.
“In fact, she surprised me a few days ago when she was watching a badminton match on television and uttered 'papa' while pointing at the screen.
Happy family man: Hafiz Hashim in the stands with his daughter, Hanna Sofilea, and his wife, Nazatul Shima Nazari (left). - Bernama Hafiz is the third ranked Malaysian singles player and he is expected to play against Shoji Sato in the tie against Japan today.
Shoji is the fourth ranked Japanese behind Sho Sasaki but Japan are likely to field him based on his experience.
“The record in matches between Sato and I is even but it has been some time since we last played against each other,” said Hafiz.
“He has been playing in doubles for some time now. I am sure his game has changed a little.
“I will be ready to face him.”
Hafiz and Sato used to be sparring partners many years ago when the Japanese often came to Malaysia for short stints with national singles coach Misbun Sidek at the Nusa Mahsuri club.
Said Hafiz's coach Hendrawan of Sato: “He is a runner and Hafiz has to be ready for that. Hafiz is in good condition and we hope for the best.
“Sato played in the Thomas Cup qualifiers (in February) and the Asian championships (ABC) in India.
“I did not get to see him play but I am sure that he is getting the hang of playing singles again.”
Barring any upset, the tie is likely to be decided before it reaches the fifth match involving Hafiz. But the tie may just go down to the wire, and Hafiz will have to cope with the pressure to deliver.
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 10:04 AM.
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