Chong Wei's ex-coach Li Mao moves to Indonesia as singles badminton coach
Top News 9:31 AM
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian singles ace Lee Chong Wei’s
ex-coaches – Misbun Sidek and Li Mao – are creating a buzz in the world
of badminton.
Just days after Misbun resigned, Li Mao made a public appearance in Indonesia as their new men’s singles coach on Wednesday.
And the no-nonsense Li Mao may turn up at the Malaysia Open from Jan 18-23 at Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil with the Indonesian team.
Rumours had been swirling in the badminton circle of Li Mao’s appointment as the head coach of Indonesia. And, on Wednesday, it was confirmed when he was officially introduced to the team.
New challenge:
Li Mao (right), seen here with his former charge Lee Chong Wei during
the 2005 World Championships in California, has tendered his resignation
with the Korean BA.
Old-timer Christian Hadinata will continue to focus on the men’s doubles department.
According to the www.badzine.info website, Li Mao will officially sign a two-year contract with All-Indonesia Badminton Association (PBSI) on Jan 16, having already tendered his resignation with the Korean BA.
Li Mao coached Chong Wei from 2005-2007 and, under his tenure, the shuttler managed to raise the technical part of his game.
Ironicaly, Li Mao left the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) in 2007 in the same manner as Misbun’s latest exit, submitting his resignation letter via e-mail – giving rise to speculations that he was unhapy with the management.
Yesterday, national coach Teh Seu Bock, who is with Chong Wei in Taipei for the Super Series Masters Finals, said that he was shocked with Li Mao’s move to Indonesia.
“Indonesia have been struggling with their lack of singles talents. Li Mao’s presence will help (to a certain extent). It also depends on how much the players want to make a difference,” he said.
BAM secretary Ng Chin Chai expects Li Mao’s presence to inject fresh hope for Indonesia, who have also been struggling to find new talents to take over from Taufik Hidayat.
“Li Mao has coached Malaysia, South Korea and China. His presence will certainly enhance the quality of training for the men’s singles,” he said.
While Li Mao has secured his future with the Indonesian team, Misbun’s fate will be known soon following the meeting with BAM president Datuk Seri Nadzmi Mohd Salleh and Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.
It will be interesting to see if the meeting will lead to Misbun retracting his decision or sticking to it.
If he is adamant, it is certain that Chong Wei will follow suit and begin his career as a professional player this year.
Just days after Misbun resigned, Li Mao made a public appearance in Indonesia as their new men’s singles coach on Wednesday.
And the no-nonsense Li Mao may turn up at the Malaysia Open from Jan 18-23 at Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil with the Indonesian team.
Rumours had been swirling in the badminton circle of Li Mao’s appointment as the head coach of Indonesia. And, on Wednesday, it was confirmed when he was officially introduced to the team.
New challenge:
Li Mao (right), seen here with his former charge Lee Chong Wei during
the 2005 World Championships in California, has tendered his resignation
with the Korean BA. According to the www.badzine.info website, Li Mao will officially sign a two-year contract with All-Indonesia Badminton Association (PBSI) on Jan 16, having already tendered his resignation with the Korean BA.
Li Mao coached Chong Wei from 2005-2007 and, under his tenure, the shuttler managed to raise the technical part of his game.
Ironicaly, Li Mao left the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) in 2007 in the same manner as Misbun’s latest exit, submitting his resignation letter via e-mail – giving rise to speculations that he was unhapy with the management.
Yesterday, national coach Teh Seu Bock, who is with Chong Wei in Taipei for the Super Series Masters Finals, said that he was shocked with Li Mao’s move to Indonesia.
“Indonesia have been struggling with their lack of singles talents. Li Mao’s presence will help (to a certain extent). It also depends on how much the players want to make a difference,” he said.
BAM secretary Ng Chin Chai expects Li Mao’s presence to inject fresh hope for Indonesia, who have also been struggling to find new talents to take over from Taufik Hidayat.
“Li Mao has coached Malaysia, South Korea and China. His presence will certainly enhance the quality of training for the men’s singles,” he said.
While Li Mao has secured his future with the Indonesian team, Misbun’s fate will be known soon following the meeting with BAM president Datuk Seri Nadzmi Mohd Salleh and Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.
It will be interesting to see if the meeting will lead to Misbun retracting his decision or sticking to it.
If he is adamant, it is certain that Chong Wei will follow suit and begin his career as a professional player this year.
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 9:31 AM.
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