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Razif Slams BAM For Omitting World Junior Champion From Thomas Cup Squad

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- Former National badminton coach Razif Sidek took the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to task for not including world junior champion Zulfadli Zulkiffli in the Thomas Cup squad.

Razif, during an interview with Bernama TV recently, said Zulfadli should have been given a chance to represent the country in the Thomas Cup Qualifier to be held in Macau from Feb 13 to 19.

The former doubles player who together with his brother Jalani formed the backbone of the Thomas Cup squad in 1992, said Zulfadli's presence in Macau would give him valuable exposure and experience.

"At least he (Zulfadli) will be able to witness in person, how difficult or tough the competition is at the Thomas Cup.

"It does not matter whether he is from the Kuala Lumpur Racquet Club or not, BAM must still open the door to give players like Zulfadli in the near future. We must give opportunities for our best singles players so that they will be able to compete against the best in the world later on," he said.

Zulfadli, currently ranked world number 125 and second in the world junior ranking, was not in the list of players announced by BAM to lead the country's challenge in the Thomas Cup Qualifier which included Datuk Lee Chong Wei, Muhammad Hafiz Hashim, Liew Daren and Mohd Arif Abdul Latiff to play in the singles.

"If the best players are not chosen, it will not help Malaysia's quest to qualify for the Thomas Cup final in China from May 20 to 27.

Zulfadli's coach Zulkiffli Sidek who is also his father, also questioned BAM's wisdom to omit his son from the squad although Zulfadli had won the World Junior title in Taiwan last year and the Asian Junior title in India, also last year.

"Why not (BAM) give Zulfadli who is the World and Asian junior champion? he asked.

Meanwhile, Zulfadli in accepting the decision by BAM said he would focus on preparations for the German Open, All England and the Swiss Open.

"I will play the Selangor Open first before the German Open, All England and Swiss Open," he said.

-- BERNAMA

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