Badminton News - Hafiz pleads for more time

Source: NST Online
By : Ajitpal Singh


Hafiz has not won a title since the 2006 Philippines Open.

"PLEASE give me until the end of the year"

This is Hafiz Hashim's plea to the BA of Malaysia (BAM) in response to its threat to drop him from the national team.

Hafiz, renowned for his erratic performances, has vowed to show progress under the guidance of newly appointed Indonesian coach Hendrawan.

"A new coach means a new training programme and ideas. I am very excited about training under Hendrawan," said Hafiz yesterday.

"I will do my best under him as I am fully aware that it may be my last chance to improve and show results. Just give me until the end of the year," he added.
Hafiz rose to stardom when he won the 2003 All England singles title but subsequent high expectations, coupled with pressure, led to a series of poor outings which saw his game deteriorate. He has not won a title since he defeated older brother Roslin, a former World No 1, in the final of the 2006 Philippines Open.

This year, he showed limited progress and his only claim to fame was reaching the final of the India Open in March.

In last month's Malaysia Open Grand Prix Gold, Hafiz was beaten in the first round by eventual semi-finalist Hu Yun of Hong Kong.

Hafiz said Hendrawan is a person he adored both as a player and coach.

"I played Hendrawan three times seven years ago and, though I lost to him, it was quite an experience. And now I have a chance to learn from him." said the 27-year-old shuttler.

National singles coach Rashid Sidek, with the approval of BAM, on Monday decided to allow Hafiz and Kuan Beng Hong to be coached by Hendrawan on a permanent basis. Hafiz and Beng Hong were formerly under Misbun Sidek.

Meanwhile, former national players Wong Choong Hann and Lee Tsuan Seng will not train with the BAM stable for the World Championships in Hyderabad, on for Aug 10-16.

BAM general manager Kenny Goh said the association has not received any official request from either player on his intention to train with the national players.