Malaysia seek divine help in quest for gold
Friday, 8 August 2008
BEIJING, Aug 7 (AFP): Malaysia's shuttlers are not taking any chances as they gun for the country's first ever Olympic gold medal, opting for prayer as well as hard training ahead of Saturday's tournament.
Coach Misbun Sidek said Malaysia was counting on a gold medal from its badminton players, with the hopes of a nation resting on their shoulders. But the task was not easy, with China's formidable shuttlers, who include world champion Lin Dan, determined to dominate the singles as well as the doubles competition.
"Malaysia have not had any gold medals before, but we expect gold medals this time around. However it's not easy to beat the rest. We have a lot of seeded players and we will pray as well as train hard. No pain no gain."
"After Athens, we are more experienced and better and so we hope to pull through and win that elusive medal," Misbun said at training Thursday.
Malaysia's biggest hope is Lee Chong Wei, seeded second in the men's singles, along with pint-sized powerhouse Wong Mew Choo, seeded eighth on the women's side, and Choong Tan Fook and Lee Wan Wah in the men's doubles.
In his opening match, Lee faces Singapore's Ronald Susilo who downed China's Lin in the first round at the Athens Games.
"It's not easy to beat him (Susilo). Lee Chong Wei is a brilliant player. It's Singapore's best versus Malaysia's best. We will see what comes from the match," Misbun said.
Coach Misbun Sidek said Malaysia was counting on a gold medal from its badminton players, with the hopes of a nation resting on their shoulders. But the task was not easy, with China's formidable shuttlers, who include world champion Lin Dan, determined to dominate the singles as well as the doubles competition.
"Malaysia have not had any gold medals before, but we expect gold medals this time around. However it's not easy to beat the rest. We have a lot of seeded players and we will pray as well as train hard. No pain no gain."
"After Athens, we are more experienced and better and so we hope to pull through and win that elusive medal," Misbun said at training Thursday.
Malaysia's biggest hope is Lee Chong Wei, seeded second in the men's singles, along with pint-sized powerhouse Wong Mew Choo, seeded eighth on the women's side, and Choong Tan Fook and Lee Wan Wah in the men's doubles.
In his opening match, Lee faces Singapore's Ronald Susilo who downed China's Lin in the first round at the Athens Games.
"It's not easy to beat him (Susilo). Lee Chong Wei is a brilliant player. It's Singapore's best versus Malaysia's best. We will see what comes from the match," Misbun said.