KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 — The latest approach of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to play simulation matches among players as a way to gauge their performances will be continued, said national men’s singles coach Hendrawan.

Hendrawan said the matter had been discussed with BAM technical director Morten Frost Hansen after the favourable performances of players during the selection of players for the Sudirman Cup and SEA Games that was held over two days.

Morten Frost Hansen has set other additional criteria. — Bernama file pic

“After the two days of selection, we were not only able to select the players, we were also able to see the commitment and dedication of the players,” Hendrawan told reporters at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara today. “Winning or losing was not the basis.

“Players from outside the BAM fold like Mohammad Arif Abdul Latif and Tan Chun Seang had shown very competitive performances while the young players tried their best to beat the seniors.”

The coach from Indonesia said the simulation approach can help prepare the national players and help prepare a set of backup players.

The simulation matches involved 14 men’s singles players, including Mohammad Arif and Chun Seang. The simulation exercise was to prepare a team for the Sudirman Cup in May and Singapore SEA Games in June.

In the final of the simulation matches, BAM players Liew Daren and Chong Wei Feng lived up to expectations by beating their respective opponents.

Liew Daren defeated Chun Seang 21-17, 21-16 while Wei Feng beat Mohammad Arif 21-18, 21-10. Hendrawan, however, said the outcome of the simulation was not the final criteria for the selection of players because the players have yet to meet the criteria set by Frost.

“This is just one aspect. Frost wants to see the commitment of players, fitness, physical achievement and contribution to the team,” Hendrawan said. — Bernama