National assistant coach Chang Kim Wai says Malaysian badminton players show better skills and creativity than China’s power-based players.
KUALA LUMPUR: Newly appointed national men’s doubles assistant coach Chang Kim Wai believes Malaysian badminton players generally possess greater skill than their Chinese counterparts.
The 49-year-old coach stated that Chinese players tend to rely more on speed and power in their game.
“During training just now, they displayed good movements and creative shots,” he told reporters on his first day of duty.
Kim Wai recently returned from a coaching stint in China’s Guangxi province where he observed different playing styles.
He acknowledged needing time to study individual player characteristics within the Badminton Association of Malaysia setup.
Regarding world-level men’s doubles competition, Kim Wai noted the field has become more open without any dominant pairs.
“Currently, there are no consistent pairs on the world stage, and it’s a matter of which pair hits form in a tournament,” he explained.
He highlighted Malaysia’s strong representation with four pairs currently ranked in the world’s top ten.
The Malaysian pairs include 2022 world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik at second position.
Other ranked pairs are Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun at fifth, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani at seventh, and Wan Junaidi Wan Arif-Yap Roy King at tenth.
Kim Wai now works alongside men’s doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi and Miftakh to strengthen the department.
The assistant coach brings significant playing experience as a former Commonwealth and Asian Games silver medallist.
He was also part of Malaysia’s 2002 Thomas Cup squad that secured a silver medal. – Bernama
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