Hendrawan still believes in Hafiz
Posted by valsus on December 4, 2009
NATIONAL singles coach Hendrawan has not thrown in the towel yet on the enigmatic Hafiz Hashim and believes the former All England champion can make a difference for Malaysia in the Laos Sea Games on Dec 9-18.
World No 1 Lee Chong Wei and men’s doubles Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and Zakry Latif-Fairuzizuan Tazari are seen as the trump cards in Malaysia’s bid for the team gold but Hendrawan begs to differ.
Hendrawan believes that if Hafiz can utilise his experience and progress he has shown lately, he will make an impact in the team event.
Malaysia are expected to play Thailand in the semi-finals and Indonesia in the final and this is where Hafiz must deliver.
Malaysia’s other singles players — Kuan Beng Hong and Liew Daren — are also under Hendrawan’s guidance and the Indonesian expects them to stand and be counted if given the opportunity to see action in crunch matches.
“Malaysia are not just about one singles and two doubles in the team event as I believe we can fight for all five points. Hafiz’s role in Laos will be very crucial as he must perform well to earn the trust of his teammates,” said Hendrawan yesterday.
“If Hafiz can win in both the crucial matches, we have a good chance of winning gold. I also expect the third singles, whether Beng Hong or Daren, to be able to raise their performance and contribute to the team’s cause.
“This is the first test before we go into more important team events next year like the Thomas Cup, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. I want my players to prove that they can perform in team events.
“Thailand and Indonesia will be huge factors in the major events next year (except for the Commonwealth Games) and results in Laos will indicate where we stand.”
“This is a big test for Hafiz and also a chance for him to announce that there are still some good years of badminton in him.”
Hafiz faces a difficult opening match against two-time champion Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia in the individual event but Hendrawan welcomed the early challenge.
“It will be tough against Sony but Hafiz cannot give up. If he can beat Sony, there is a good chance of him winning a medal and this is what he must aim for.
“The pressure will be on Sony as Indonesia are aiming for the men’s singles gold.”
Hafiz, with his win over Sony, was instrumental in guiding Malaysia to the team gold in Manila ’05 but lost to another Indonesian, Simon Santoso in the individual semi-final.
That was Hafiz’s last significant contribution to Malaysia but the 28-year-old has been given yet another chance to prove his worth and failure will mean letting his teammates down.
