KUALA LUMPUR: Sparring abroad can benefit professional shuttlers but could also have drawbacks before major tournaments.
World No. 7 Lee Zii Jia, who is preparing for the Paris Olympics, recently sparred in Singapore with former world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore and reigning world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand.
All three are aiming for podium finishes in the men's singles event in Paris.
Former national player Ong Ewe Hock praised Zii Jia's decision to spar with different opponents but cautioned against revealing too much of his gameplan for the Paris Games.
"Sparring with equally skilled players is always beneficial," said the 1998 Commonwealth Games champion.
"But you cannot show all your cards to training partners. You must be careful not to disclose too much information."
Ewe Hock said that during his playing days, shuttlers were not permitted to train with players from other countries.
"But times have changed," he said.
"Independent players often seek out new challenges."
Ewe Hock noted a contrast with practices in China and Indonesia, where shuttlers typically train exclusively within their national squads due to their depth of talent.
Hong Kong's Lee Cheuk Yiu and Chan Yin Chak also joined Zii Jia, Kean Yew, and Kunlavut in Singapore for training recently.
Zii Jia, 26, is scheduled for another training camp in Kuala Lumpur this week before heading to France.