KUALA LUMPUR: BA of Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria admitted he is a fan of independent shuttler Liew Daren.
Today, following the conclusion of the Malaysia Masters here at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, Norza explained that the national body are always open to having professional shuttlers be part of the national squad at teams events such as the Badminton Asia Team Championship next month and the Thomas Cup in Bangkok come May.
Daren, who quit BAM in 2016, has been showing promise, despite his age, reaching two semi-finals in back to back tournaments (Thailand and Malaysia Masters) this year.
This has raised questions of the possibility of having Daren or even youngster Leong Jun Hao replace players like Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin and Soong Joo Ven, who are struggling to find their form, in men's singles at team events.
Norza, however, stressed, that the final decision on the squad for the Asian meet in Alor Setar -- which also serves as the Thomas Cup qualifier -- lies in the hands of men's singles head coach Misbun Sidek.
"As president and not someone from the technical side, I must say that I am a fan of Liew Daren.
"Many have been talking about him and I think BAM have always been open to having independent players play for us at team events.
"However, this needs thorough evaluation from the head coach (Misbun). Datuk Ng Chin Chai (BAM honorary secretary) will also be talking to Misbun, so let's wait and see.
"As we all know the challenge of playing in a team at a tournament like the Thomas Cup is different. I know, because I was there with Daren at the 2014 Thomas Cup (New Delhi)," said Norza.
In India, Daren played third singles for the national team that went down 3-2 to Japan in the final.
The Badminton Asia Team Championship will be held in Alor Setar on Feb 6-11.
"For me age is just a number. If a young player needs exposure, then we will send him or her for tournaments. In Daren's case he is 31 and still playing well.
"Anyway, I leave the decision to the coach. If there are to be any changes, then I suggest we make it quick, because we want a formidable team," added Norza.