Born on May 3, the 33-year-old veteran of 11-Azlan Shah Cups is flying high in Ipoh with 3 goals, wearing jersey No 3 -- but the numbers did not add up in 2009 when his career was almost derailed.
Back then, national coach Tai Beng Hai dropped him ahead of the Invercargill World Cup Qualifiers, and many had thought that Ah Boon was history.
But the Malacca born, who does not speak any Chinese dialect, was given a second life-line when South African Paul Revington came into the picture three years later.
Revington picked him for last year's Champions Challenge I, where he scored two goals, and his three goals in the Azlan Shah Cup, two against South Korea in the 3-2 win and one against New Zealand which saw Malaysia edge the Kiwis 2-1, has been pivotal.
"I came back to international hockey for two reasons. The first is because I know that I can still contribute and help the country, and secondly, the new coach (Revington) knows what a player has to offer unlike the previous coach who discarded me (Beng Hai)," said Boon Huat.
Playing alongside much younger strikers, Ah Boon has shown that his deft touches are a class above.
"Hockey, or in any team sport, it's got nothing to do with being youthful or veteran if one does not contribute. The younger players might have speed, but those who have seen action at my level (2002 World Cup, 2000 Olympics, Champions Trophy, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and Asia Cup), know what it takes to turn a match around.
"The mix of youth and senior players is what makes a perfect team," said Ah Boon.
Today, Malaysia play against mighty Australia, and win lose or draw does not matter, as the target now is to beat India and then Pakistan as this tournament is all about preparing for the Asia Cup where we need to beat the Asian teams all over again to claim the World Cup spot.
PROFILE:
Name: Marcus Chua Boon Huat
Nickname: Ah Boon
Hometown: Malacca
Occupation: Full-time hockey player
Marital Status: Single
Born: May 3, 1980
Jersey Number: 3
Age: 33
Playing Positions: Defender, Forward, Midfielder
Specialist Skills: Slap shot and short corner flick
Caps: 323
First Internationals: 1998 - Bangkok Asian Games (fifth), Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games (Silver)
Most Memorable Hockey Moments: Winning Bronze in 2002 Busan Asian Games
