IF everything goes well, youngsters Lim Chong King and Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin could make an appearance at the Philippines Sea Games on Nov 30-Dec 11.
The BA of Malaysia (BAM) may serve a surprise by selecting a few up-and-coming shuttlers when they confirm their final list of 20 players for the biennial Games tomorrow.
While nothing has been cast in stone, BA of Malaysia (BAM) coaching director Wong Choong Hann indicated that anything is possible.
World No 369 Chong King and Aidil, both 19, were impressive last week when they reached the men’s singles final of the Hellas Open in Greece.
Chong King, who also did well to reach the Malaysia International Series semi-finals in June, edged his World No 592 teammate 8-21, 21-13, 21-15 to claim his maiden international title.
The shuttler was promoted to the senior squad in January.
Choong Hann said: “BAM have not closed the door on any player, be it juniors or professionals.
“In the case of Chong King and Aidil, I have spoken to coach Misbun Sidek (national men's singles coach) and he is also open to giving them the platform to showcase their talent.
“However, we have not confirmed anything yet as we also want results from the Sea Games. We are also considering our senior players for the competition.
“The closing date for submission is Aug 15, so we should be confirming our Sea Games squad on Wednesday (tomorrow),” Choong Hann told Timesport yesterday.
Choong Hann added that he was happy with the performance of several other youngsters, who also did well last week, like S. Kisona, who claimed the Hellas Open women’s singles title and mixed doubles, Hoo Pang Ron-Cheah Yee See, who bagged the Hyderabad Open crown.
“It’s very encouraging because these players have been working really hard.
“Yes, it may not be top-tier tournaments but you must understand the opponents they defeated are those from the same age group.
“In the future, if they can maintain their form, they will be playing the same opponents.
“Winning now proves that our players are on par.”
The former international also did not rule out the possibility of selecting independent pairs, Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong (men’s doubles) and Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying (mixed doubles) for the Games.
Two years ago, Malaysia won one gold, five silver and two bronze in the Kuala Lumpur edition.