KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 — Newly minted national men’s doubles assistant coach Chang Kim Wai believes that Malaysian pairs are generally more skilful than their Chinese counterparts, who rely more on speed and power.
The 49-year-old coach, who recently returned from a coaching stint in China’s Guangxi province, said that while both countries have their own strengths, Malaysia’s advantage lies in its players’ refined skills and creativity on court.
“In my view, our shuttlers are steadier and more skilful than China’s players. During training just now, they displayed good movements and creative shots.
“Players from China tend to use speed and power in their game,” he told reporters when met on his first day of duty here today.
Having only just rejoined the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) setup, Kim Wai admitted that he needs time to study the players’ individual styles and characteristics before making any further assessment.
On the men’s doubles competition at the world level, Kim Wai said the field is now more open and competitive, with no single dominant pair.
“Currently, there are no consistent pairs on the world stage, and it’s a matter of which pair hits form in a tournament.
“Previously, the finals will be contested by the same two pairs, but that is no longer the case. As Malaysia has several men’s pairs in the top 10, our chances (of winning) are higher,” he said.
Four Malaysian pairs are now ranked in the world’s top 10, namely 2022 world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (second), Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun (fifth); Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (seventh) and Wan Junaidi Wan Arif-Yap Roy King (10th).
Kim Wai is working alongside men’s doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi and Miftakh to further strengthen the department.
Kim Wai is a former Commonwealth and Asian Games silver medallist and also a member of Malaysia’s 2002 Thomas Cup squad who won silver.
