IT is not all gloom and doom for shuttlers who don't make the grade for the national team. In fact, independent players can still come good if they have a clear direction, and work hard towards it.
One such player who has done well for himself is Rawang Badminton Club's (Rawang BC) Yap Khai Quan.
The 21-year-old former Selangor state player did not make the national side after a six-month probation in 2018, but went on to make an impression in the Swedish league with club side Trollhättens.
Khai Quan was well taken care of in Sweden, and he returned to the city last year for a second stint. His first was for eight months in 2019.
"I also played in tournaments around Europe when I was with Trollhättens for the Swedish league. I was sponsored by them.
"I think it's a great experience for anyone who wants to get that different feel of playing in Europe.
"The style is different from what we're used to here in Asia.
"There is definitely prospect for us to make a living outside (Malaysia) because I was paid to play there.
"The club also helped with my accommodation and food arrangement," said Khai Quan, who comes from the same batch as current national players, Ng Tze Yong, Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin and Lim Chong King.
Denmark's national star, Hans Kristian Solberg Vittinghus is one of Khai Quan's teammates in Sweden.
Khai Quan, who has been a Rawang BC player since he was 15, is looking forward to making his debut in the Purple League Pro-Am on Dec 21-26 in Putrajaya.
Previously, Khai Quan played in the Purple League Junior (PJL) circuit.
Following the completion of the league, Khai Quan will move to Australia to focus on becoming a physiotherapist. He will be attached to Bowen Therapy Academy in Melbourne.
Yesterday, Rawang BC signed a new RM10,000 sponsorship deal with long standing partner, ShekhinahPR Sdn Bhd.