Rashid says Malaysia not good for gold without Mew Choo

By RAJES PAUL

KUALA LUMPUR: National singles coach Rashid Sidek feels he may have to raise the white flag on Malaysia’s chances of winning gold in the women’s singles event at the Laos SEA Games in December following another injury to Wong Mew Choo.

Rashid yesterday confirmed that Mew Choo had withdrawn from the Denmark Open, which begins in Odense on Wednesday, with a fractured toe.

Mew Choo has skipped training since returning from the Japan Open two weeks ago after injuring her toe and has yet to recover.

Prior to that, the national number one had also been bugged by a nagging knee injury.

Mew Choo, the 2003 Vietnam SEA Games gold medallist, is Malaysia’s biggest hope in the women’s singles challenge because the others – Lydia Cheah, Tee Jin Yi and Sannatasah Saniru – are either inconsistent or inexperienced.

Rashid said although Mew Choo would be back on her feet ahead of the Laos Games, her condition would be doubtful.

“The injury is not serious but she has to do light training at the moment. We are hoping that she will be able to go for the China and Hong Kong Opens next month,” said Rashid.

“We will be able to see where she stands then.

“Mew Choo always gives her all but there is no guarantee she will be at her best at the Laos SEA Games.”

With the uncertainty surrounding the women’s singles department, Rashid prefers not to set any targets at the SEA Games.

“I have to be realistic. Without a top-form Mew Choo, it will be difficult for us to challenge for honours there. The others are not up to the mark yet,” said Rashid.

“Lydia is still very inconsistent and youngster Jing Yi has not proven herself yet.

“We also do not have Julia (Wong). She is currently back in training but doing light skills and, if all goes well, she will only be ready for competition probably next year.

“For now, our women’s singles department looks very vulnerable. But let’s hope that one of these players will prove me wrong at the SEA Games.”

For the record, in Laos, Indonesia will be banking on Maria Kristin Yulianto, Maria Febe Kusumastuti and Firdasari Adrianti Fransisca while Thailand will count on Salakjit Ponsana and Porntip Buranaprasertsuk. Singapore’s trumpcards are China-born Zhang Beiwen and Xing Aiying.