KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 — The eligibility of former world number one Datuk Lee Chong Wei to play again has put the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) in a bind over the selection of players for the World Championships in Jakarta from August 10-16.
National singles coach Tey Seu Bock acknowledged that though Chong Wei Feng and Zulfadli Zulkifli were ranked higher than Datuk Lee Chong Wei, the BAM would decide the two players for the championships.
Wei Feng is in 31st position, Zulfadli is 41st while Chong Wei is currently 45th on the list but based on Chong Wei’s track record, the former world number one will certainly be on the Jakarta list.
“We need to give players with medal winning prospects and if that comes into play, Chong Wei will be a sure choice but it is up to BAM to chose Wei Feng or Zulfadli.
“To my assessment, Wei Feng has a better chance of being selected because of his achievement and performance. He may not win the title but his fighting spirit is good,” he told reporters after a training session at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara today.
Seu Bock said the predicament would however, be solved if the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) offered a ‘wild card’ to Chong Wei, because then the BAM can list both Wei Feng and Zulfadli.
According to reports, the PBSI had said the body would have to discuss the matter with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the BAM.
However, the BAM need to submit its list of players for the World Championships by May 14. — Bernama
