BAM looking at quality

THE 2012 London Olympics project squad is almost finalised with the BA of Malaysia (BAM) expected to name a lean but quality-laden squad before launching the programme next month.

Previously, the national squad was about 30-strong but BAM is looking at a smaller number to ensure quality.

The men's and women's singles squad is likely to have 10 players while four men's and two women's pairs are expected to be named.

Lee Chong Wei, Hafiz Hashim, Kuan Beng Hong, Arif Latif, Tan Chun Seang, Chong Wei Feng and Liew Daren should be the men's singles cast while the women's singles will likely have Wong Mew Choo, Julia Wong and Lydia Cheah.

Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, Zakry Latif-Fairuzizuan Tazari, Razif Latif-Tan Wee Kiong and Hoon Thien How-Ong Soon Hock also look assured of their places while women's doubles Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui and Ng Hui Lin-Woon Khe Wei should also make the cut.
An additional men's pair Tan Bin Shen-Khoo Chung Chiat are also in the running while Lim Khim Wah is strongly tipped to make the 2012 Project Squad due to his ability to play in men's doubles and mixed doubles while players like Chan Peng Soon and Lin Woon Fui could also squeeze in.

Rashid Sidek, who is expected to assume the role of singles chief coach in the project squad, said the next coaching and training committee should determine the exact number.

BAM also had a meeting with the National Sports Council's (NSC) programme committee on Wednesday and Rashid said the coaches have been asked to submit specific tournaments and training schedule for all the players