Malaysia Mixed Double Pairs Show Their Fighting Spirit In Proton Malaysia Open 2009
MALAYSIAN OPEN BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIPS
MALAYSIA’S Mohd Razif Abdul Latif-Woon Khe Wei recieved a standing ovation despite losing their mixed doubles match in the Malaysian Open on Thursday.
It was their fighting spirit and determination against Thailand’s top pair Sudket Prapakamol-T. Saralee in the second round that won the admiration of the spectators. They lost 21-19, 19-21, 19-21 in a energy sapping 62-minute match.
Razif and Khe Wei, who are playing for the first time as a pair, did not let any shuttle land on their court without going the extra mile to save it.
And this never-give-up attitude should take them far in the game.
In fact, similar traits were also shown by several other new combinations in the mixed doubles and men’s doubles pairings being tested by national coach Rexy Mainaky for the first time in the Malaysian Open.
The others, who gave a good fight before bowing out, were men doubles pairs — Lim Khim Wah-Hoon Thien How, Mak Hee Chun-Tan Wee Kiong, Razif-Chan Peng Soon — and mixed doubles pair Ong Jien Guo-Sabrina Chong.
Razif was happy that together with Khe Wei, they were able to give the Thais a good fight despite having trained together for only three weeks.
“The spectators were really supportive. That gave us the extra motivation to fight all the way,” said the 24-year-old Razif.
“Khe Wei and I combined well. She was quite fast at the front and I could cover at the back.
“I am 24 and it is time to produce results. Our coach has given us one year to prove ourselves with our new partners. This is the factor that is pushing us to give our all.”
Razif said it was good to see the other new combinations also taking up the challenge.
“It is encouraging to see several pairs putting up a great fight. The field will only get more competitive. This will do the sport good,” he said.
The new doubles pairs are not taking part in next week’s Korean Open.
They will wait with bated breath for Rexy to name the best pairs for the challenge in Europe in March.
Source : TheStar
