BADMINTON
Roslin Hashim embracing commentary after life as world number one

Roslin Hashim may have ruled the world during his formidable playing career, but says life from the other side of the court as a commentator is a different challenging to give fans the best viewing experience.
The former national shuttler is on duty at the ongoing Malaysia Masters as he dissects the action at the Axiata Arena for Astro Arena viewers.
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Roslin explains that are a few traits an expert analyst like himself must possess to bring a match to life.
"Co-commentators, or colour commentators like myself, must have sufficient information on the players, the tournament and even the venue. There is a way of speaking and we cannot speak in a casual tone.
"We have to be familiar with badminton jargons and also be analytical. It is what separates us from the main commentators, the fact we have played the game professionally.
"But the big challenge for me is when I need to open the live telecast show by myself sometimes. The opening intro is extremely crucial to set the tone," Roslin told Stadium Astro.
Roslin was a badminton powerhouse in the late 90s and early 2000s, with four titles and two SEA Games gold medals among the highlight of his 13-year career.
The Kelantan-born also joined an illustrious cast of Malaysian men’s singles shuttlers such as Rashid Sidek, Wong Choon Hann and Lee Chong Wei to hold the world number one rank.
Roslin has paired up with various decorated commentators including Haji Zainal Abidin Rawop, Haji Shaukei Kahar and also Hafizal Ahmad since he started in 2015.
His time nowadays is divided between commentary duties and also running his own academy called the Roslin Hashim Badminton Academy.
The 44-year-old is also one of the few players to have undergone the different phases of points scoring system, including the seven and 15-points system.
"For me, the seven points system was the worst scenario in badminton. When the 21-points system was introduced [in 2006], the players were divided on it. But they have adapted well since.
"Matches used to end as fast as 20 minutes when 21-points was introduced. But now it stretches over an hour and makes for exciting viewing," he added.
Asked on his favourite picks to win the Malaysia Masters, Roslin said: "Kento Momota is the man to beat in the men’s singles. He will take some stopping. The women’s affair is more open, anyone is capable of winning."
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