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Lee Chong Wei surprised his fans by participating in the mixed doubles event at the Selangor Open — and won it too. Chong Wei decided to skip singles as he wanted to encourage younger shuttlers, and decided on taking part in the mixed to promote the tournament. Chong Wei and Vivian Hoo overcame Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying in straight games 21-15 27–25 in the final. After winning the match, Chong Wei said, “It is a real surprise to win the mixed doubles. I will continue to have fun in the local meet. I may take part in the men’s doubles next. I still want our youngsters to fight for honours in the men’s singles.”
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World Junior Champion Zulfadli Zulkifli will not be prevented by his father, Zulkifli Sidek, from joining the Thomas Cup camp. Zulkifli used to be apprehensive when BAM offered Zulfadli the chance to join the national junior team on several occasions but he now feels that his son can progress faster by training with the national players.“I am not going to stand in my son’s way. He can join the training sessions with the Thomas Cup players and it is up to BAM to decide whether he is good enough to be selected for the team event,” said Zulkifli. “My son can progress faster if he spars with the national players and he will also get the oppotunity to train with Lee Chong Wei.”***
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has directed Hafiz Hashim to join the national camp for the Thomas Cup finals set to be held in China from May this year.The World Number 32, started playing independently last year after getting sponsors but BAM summoned him for national squad of Thomas Cup preliminaries, held last week in Macau.Hafiz won a decisive encounter against India where he ensured for Malaysia’s berth in the Thomas Cup Finals.The chairman of BAM coaching and training committee Ng Chin Chai feels that he is still needed in the team, “We have spoken to him and he has agreed to report as soon as possible for training. We will finalise our best team later.”***
Lee Chong Wei surprisingly missed out on the Malaysian Sports Personality of the Year award announced on Sunday. Shooter Nur Suryani Taibi was crowned 2011 SAM-100Plus Sports Personality of the Year beating favourite contenders Lee Chong Wei and Nicol David. Nur Suryani who had also won the 2011 Olympian of the Year award swept aside squash queen Nicol, Chong Wei (badminton), Mohd Azizulhasni Awang (cycling), and Pandelela Rinong (diving).The award which came with a trophy and RM10,000 cash was presented by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.“I am surprised with the announcement because those shortlisted were all heavyweights. I did not expect to win this award and the reason I came today was to celebrate the event with other athletes,” she told reporters here today.
