Kim Hock's future to be decided today

Kim Hock is in charge of the boys’ doubles in BJSS.

THE much debated topic of whether Yap Kim Hock will take over as the head coach of the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) will be put to rest by the BA of Malaysia's (BAM) coaching and training committee today.

The indication is that Sun Chenghua, the current BJSS head coach, will retain his position while Kim Hock will continue doing what he was entrusted with -- to churn out world class boys' doubles.

There have been suggestions that Chenghua be promoted to the senior squad in a direct swap with Wong Tat Meng but the committee has to decide whether the former has the credentials to guide the back-up players to a higher level.

Chenghua's promotion to the senior squad needs the backing of singles chief coach Rashid Sidek and his recommendation will seal the fate of the former.

Tat Meng's experience with the senior squad could be taken into consideration and he may be asked to train the back-up players while Rashid continues to work with the elite back-up players.
The bigger talking point will be the reshuffle of the men's doubles and mixed doubles.

Doubles coach Rexy Mainaky has lined up new combinations and they should be given until the end of the year to prove themselves.

Rexy tried out several new pairs in the Malaysia Open and has continued experimenting after several of those combinations didn't click.

However, BAM must be mindful of the fact that too many reshuffles won't give the pairs time to prove themselves and today's endorsements should stand in place till the end of the year.

The squads for the German Open (Feb 24-Mar 1), All England (Mar 3-8) and Swiss Open (Mar 10-15) will also be finalised and the back-up players and new doubles combinations are expected to be given a chance to see action in Europe. -- K.M. BOOPATHY

NST

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