TTAM outline three-year plan

24/01/1999

THE TTA of Malaysia have submitted a three-year blueprint to the National
Sports Council (NSC) and high on the list are three gold medals from the
Brunei Sea Games.
It might be a tall order for the paddlers but a comprehensive training
programme, which includes a five-month playing stint in Spain, has been
drawn up with NSC's blessing.
"NSC responded favourably to our programme and have made a few
suggestions, among which is a clean sweep of six golds at the KL Sea Games
in 2001," said TTAM president Datuk Chan Kong Choy yesterday.
Malaysia last won a gold at the 1991 Sea Games in Manila through the
women's doubles and two bronze medals in the men's doubles and team event
at the 1997 Games in Jakarta.
"Back in the 70s, our players were among the best in South-East Asia but
in the 80s, even the Indonesians overtook us in the gold count. We found
that the Indonesians have been sending their players to Europe to learn
the ropes and that was why they improved so much.
"TTAM have agreed to send our No 1, Chan Koon Wah, to play in the
Spanish League to improve his skills and break his capability barrier. We
will pay his airfare while a sponsor will take care of his food and
lodging for five months," said the president.
NSC are also trying to rope in two players from China who have
represented Malaysia as guest players in a few international tournaments
where they did exceptionally well.
Liu Junhui, a Chinese national, won the South-East Asian championship
singles gold in Bangkok last month. Junhui beat Malaysian teammate Eng
Tian Syh in the final.
The other Chinese national is Yao Lingjing, who combined with Zhang Ling
to help Malaysia bag a gold in the women's doubles.
Junhui is a regular in the Spanish League and it is said he will help
Koon Wah to establish himself in Spain and prepare for the Brunei Sea
Games.
"We have decided the local players must take part in as many
professional tour Opens this year to improve on their ITTF rankings.
"If the players manage to improve their world rankings, they will get a
better draw in the Sea Games. We have suggested to send paddlers to the
Asia Top 12 in Iran (March 1-3), English Open (March 11-14) and Lebanon
Open (June 3-6) to form a base for the Sea Games.
"We plan to send at least two players to each Open pending on the
availibility of funds from the NSC and our sponsors," said Chan.
TTAM are serious in improving their image in the Sea Games and have
hired two Chinese coaches Zhang Ling and Su Wenzhi to achieve their
target.
(END)