KUALA LUMPUR – National doubles player Goh Sze Fei believes that there is pressure on Malaysia to defend the Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) but believes the team will deal with it accordingly.
Malaysia’s men’s team won the last edition of the BATC in 2022, having defeated Indonesia in the finals held at Setia City Convention Centre.
“Pressure to defend our title is there, but it all depends on us and how we handle it.
“The competition this time around will be tougher, and if we are selected to play, I hope we can deliver points for Malaysia,” said the 26-year-old.
Sze Fei, who partners Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, is likely to be the second men’s doubles pair behind Haikal Nazri and Choong Hon Jian.
“I’m thankful to the Badminton Association of Malaysia for putting their trust in us, we will do our best.
“There are still things that myself and Izzuddin must iron out and we must look for this breakthrough.
“We need to focus on improving our consistency and reducing mistakes and unforced errors,” said the 2022 German Open winner.
Meanwhile, national women’s doubles player Teoh Mei Xing said the challenge of top countries sending their best teams will be good for the junior players.
Mei Xing, whose partner Anna Chong is out injured, added that the challenge of having stronger teams at the tournament will not deter the Malaysian team from performing their best.
“The challenge at this year’s tournament will be tougher, we don’t think about it. It is important to focus on getting one point after the other.
“Having strong teams at BATC is good for the juniors as they can learn from playing against top talents.
“They can also gauge where their standards lie when compared to players who regularly play on the World Tour,” said the 26-year-old.
Speaking about the absence of her regular partner Anna, Mei Xing said she does feel her absence but has to focus on her own game.
“I do feel a bit lost without Anna, but if I get to play I have to do my best no matter who is my partner.
“I’m not worried about chemistry as it doesn’t matter who my partner is. I still have to bring my best game if selected to play. In training right now I’m focussing on improving my ability and power.
“It does not matter who the women’s team plays, we still need to fight for wins and points,” added the 2022 Syed Modi International winner. – January 30, 2024