BAM should look towards pairs pool

26/05/1998

THE BA of Malaysia should look for a larger pool of doubles players to
beef up to the current squad.
Nusa Mahsuri coach Misbun Sidek, who was posed the question on the
return of the Thomas Cup squad from Hong Kong, said this should be the
priority if Malaysia are to challenge strongly for international honours.
"We have good pairs right now but what about a backup plan? What happens
when these players retire?
"Look at Indonesia, they have many doubles players just waiting for a
chance to topple the first choice players," said Misbun at Sultan Abdul
Aziz Shah international airport yesterday.
"We need replacements who can beat Cheah Soon Kit and Yap Kim Hock and
the others in their prime.
"If the present batch retires, they will not be able to taste immediate
success."
When asked about Roslin Hashim, who was a revelation in the Thomas Cup,
Misbun predicted he would be at the peak of his prowess in six months.
"He is physically strong and has proven he can play under pressure in
Hong Kong. Right now, I'll concentrate on sharpening his skills. He will
become a player to be reckoned with in six months' time."
Youth and Sports Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who was on the same
flight with the squad, said they would receive RM84,000 for their
performance.
"Also, a few Malaysian businessmen in Hong Kong got together and
contributed HK20,000 (RM9,800) to the squad. I am very proud that all the
players played their hearts out and did the country proud," said
Muhyiddin.
(END)