BRING ON THE YOUTH

BAM's selection of young Arif Latif I think it's a good one for the future as he would be probably shoulder the burden of the nation's hope in the future. Rather than take older players to the Thomas Cup, it is good for us to take a risk (ala Walcott to the World Cup, see some similarities) and who knows, rewarded for it when its time for boys to become men.

Back in my playing days in Seremban, I have seen him play and also his elder brother Zakry who forms the 3rd doubles with Fairuzizuan, and I would say, those boys are good and skillful players, only lacking in power play, I suppose.

We just hope that he doesnt become a dud like Kuan Beng Hong who never recovered after getting whipped in the previous Thomas Cup. Talking about 3rd singles, we never had a solid reliable player in this position. No idea, even though they delivered the goods, like Kwan Yoke Meng and Wong Tat Meng. Looking at their singles career after team events, it never prospered and we hope the jinx on playing 3rd singles will never rub on this teenager.

Badminton other than squash, is our only sport which is world class and we need to maintain our high standards and I suppose everyone need to view the Thomas Cup seriously and not spoil our vision with illusion of grandeur at the Olympics, at least till the Thomas Cup is over.