KUALA LUMPUR – The decision by national badminton coaching director Rexy Mainaky to potentially exclude women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah from the Uber Cup squad has been hailed as a “smart move” by sports analyst Mohd Sadek Mustafa.
He added that team competitions like the Uber Cup demand a lot from players, as the matches will come fast and furious at the all-female team competition, leaving little time for recovery.
“The move to potentially exclude Pearly-Thinaah is a smart one in my book.
“This will give the duo time to focus on further cementing their spot for Paris and work on improvements.
“But it is not new, both China and India have taken similar steps during the recent Badminton Asian Team Championships.
“Nonetheless, it is a good strategic move to prepare the women for their first Olympic Games,” said the University Teknologi Mara sports science lecturer.
When asked whether men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik should also be withdrawn from the Thomas Cup squad, Sadek disagreed but left the decision to Rexy.
“Aaron and Wooi Yik are as good as qualified for the Paris Games, and our chances to do well in the Thomas Cup are promising.
“So I think the men’s pair should continue to play in the men’s competition but that decision should be made by Rexy,” added Sadek.
On Tuesday, Scoop reported that Rexy is toying with the idea of leaving the national number one women’s doubles pair out of the Uber Cup squad to focus solely on the Paris Olympics in July.
The Indonesian is prepared to take the risk of fielding other players from the women’s team to give them exposure at the team competition.
The 1996 Atlanta Olympic gold medallist understands the bold move will have some quarters among the local fans worked up, but he is inclined to embrace the challenge. – March 28, 2024