Arif: Simulation experience will come in handy in Finals
News 9:14 AM
Arif: Bounced back to beat James Chua in the simulation exercise yesterday
KUALA LUMPUR: Youngster Mohd Arif Abdul Latif caved in to the pressure before clawing back to seal victory for the Thomas Cup team in a simulation tie yesterday.
And the 19-year-old Arif said that the experience would be valuable if he were to face a similar situation at the Finals in Jakarta.
Arif defeated former national champion James Chua 17-21, 21-11, 21-10 in the decider of a seven-match tie against Team Union.
“Initially, I was nervous. I was under pressure to win the tie for Malaysia. I allowed the taunts from the supporters of James' team to affect me,” he said.
“I tried to psyche myself up. Fortunately, I was able to play my own game and fought back to beat him. This is a good experience for me.
“Hopefully, it will help me to be better prepared.”
Arif will only get to play in important ties at the Finals if one of the three other singles players – Lee Chong Wei, Wong Choong Hann and Mohd Hafiz Hashim – comes down with injury.
Chances are he will get a feel of the atmosphere of playing in the Thomas Cup Finals in the Group B tie against England on Sunday.
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 9:14 AM.
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