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KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s newly appointed mixed doubles coach Nova Widianto has a difficult task ahead of him with the 2023 Malaysia Open that starts next week, from January 10-15 at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil.
The Indonesian is taking up the challenge to ensure his charges – Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei and Hoo Pang Ron-Teoh Mei Xing – are well-prepared for the inaugural Super 1000 event.
When met at Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM), Nova was confident that the players could pull off a surprise.
“I may be new here (at ABM), but I have confidence in them to give their best.
“They have big potential to become better players than they are now because I see they are highly committed and spirited.
“That is how I know they could do well,” said the 2008 Olympic Games silver medallist.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia appointed the 45-year-old coach last month on a two-year contract.
He has been widely regarded within the badminton fraternity as one of the best mixed doubles players of his era.
The two-time world champion also noted that he aims to focus on helping the players collect points until the 2023 Badminton Asia Championships in April and hopefully – through Super 300 tournaments – they could pick up better form and skills.
In the opening round of the Malaysia Open, Tang Jie-Ee Wei will face former teammates and professional shuttlers Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing, who are seeded sixth, in the bottom half of the draw.
Meanwhile, Pang Ron-Mei Xing will meet Indonesia’s Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto-Lisa Ayu Kusumawati. – The Vibes, January 5, 2022