FAIRUZ AIMS TO EMULATE YONG DAE
Posted by valsus on February 14, 2009
NST Online : 13 February 2009
By : K.M. BOOPATHY
FAIRUZIZUAN Tazari is not just aiming for glory with Zakry Latif in the All England men’s doubles but is also looking forward to doing well in the mixed doubles with Wong Pei Tty in Birmingham on Mar 3-8.
Although Fairuz will place more emphasis on the men’s doubles where Zakry and him are seeded fourth, the former is excited about the reunion with Pei Tty after playing in their last mixed doubles tournament – the Singapore Open – almost 15 months ago.
Zakry-Fairuz, ranked World No 5, have been boosted by the withdrawal of Jung Jae Sung, one half of the South Korean World No 1 combination with Lee Yong Dae, as they will avoid meeting top pairs until the semi-finals.
That is not the case in the mixed doubles as Fairuz-Pei Tty will have to negotiate past the qualifying rounds but the former is optimistic of a quarter-final berth.
“Our target in the men’s doubles is obviously to go for the title and the absence Jae Sung will make it easier.
“We will avoid the top three pairs until the semi-finals and we intend to exploit this,” said Fairuz yesterday.
“The main aim is to regain consistency and at worst, we must be in the semis. We must avoid losing to lower ranked opponents.
“As for the mixed doubles, I’m looking forward to partnering Pei Tty again as we have done well before.
“Although we will play in the qualifying rounds, my target is a quarter-final berth.
“Our chances of qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics in the mixed doubles is equally good but much will depend on Pei Tty.
“If Pei Tty decides to play on after the Asian Games (in Guangzhou) next year, I will pushing hard to qualify for both events in the Olympics.”
Fairuz, 26, is also aware that he has to work harder in order to sustain a high level of fitness to play in two events but he is not complaining.
Having seen compatriot Koo Kien Keat, who partners Tan Boon Heong in the men’s doubles and Ng Hui Lin in the mixed doubles, improving on his fitness and performance since playing two events after the Beijing Olympics last year, Fairuz feels that he is on the right path.
The other player who has given Fairuz the confidence to take up double duty is Yong Dae who has been successful in both events.
