Malaysia doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky believes it is not all doom and gloom for the national team after their quarter-final exit from the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships on Friday.
Malaysia went down 3-2 against defending champions China, who will take on South Korea in the final later today.
While the defeat was disappointing against the Chinese who were shorn of some of their top stars including Shi Yu Qi, Chen Yu Fei and Zheng Si Wei, Rexy derived some positives from the campaign in Dubai.
“This tournament was a preparation to the big one, which is the Sudirman Cup. Despite losing to China, the team spirit and understanding among the players has been great.
“Even though we lost to India, there were some positives. Our young player Wong Ling Ching did well against Sindhu. The players have the self-belief they can do better in the coming events,” said Rexy.
Despite not reaching the semis, Malaysia should still make it for the Sudirman Cup as one of the top three countries who did not qualify on merit for the team event to be held in China this May.
National coaching director Wong Choong Hann was also seen encouraging the shuttlers after the China loss.
“I can see that everyone played to their level best. Keep it up, as there are more tournaments to come. Don’t be too sad or down. We have seen the level of our opponents, and so we can prepare better after this,” he said.
Lee Zii Jia, who contributed the first point against China, also admitted he was desperate for wins.
“My form is lagging, and I need a win to boost my confidence. It doesn’t matter how it comes, whether it’s a commanding win or not,” he said.
The elite shuttlers' next assignments will come at the European leg, consisting of the German Open, All-England and Swiss Open in March.
