Malaysian men's singles player Lee Zii Jia and men's doubles shuttler Arif Abdul Latif refused to give up hope on playing at the 2019 All England Open.
Fresh from competing at the German Open, Lee and Arif, who partners Nur Azryn Ayub, arrived in Birmingham along with fellow national shuttlers yesterday for the competition.
They are currently on the reserve list for the tournament, which starts on March 6, and could participate if players in their respective categories pull out at the last minute.
As it currently stands, Liew Daren is Malaysia's sole men's singles representative, while there are three Malaysian pairs in the men's doubles event.
Aware of the slim possibility, Lee said he would like to play at the tournament for the first time in his career but insisted he would not be too downhearted on missing out.
"It depends on luck. If I don't get it, I will prepare for the Swiss Open instead, but if I get it, I will take advantage of the opportunity," the 20-year-old told Astro Arena.
As for Arif, he hoped to make his first All England Open appearance as a men's doubles player — he had appeared twice in the men's singles event.
"For me, I have high hopes [of playing at the tournament]. This could be the first time Azryn and I pair up for the All England Open. We hope to play," said the 29-year-old.
"A few days ago, we heard that one or two pairs might be withdrawing. If it's true, then we have a good chance of playing."
Seng Foo Lee
Tue Mar 05 2019
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