Badminton powerhouse Malaysia can officially look back on what has been a frustrating year, and concede to the fact that there is a talent crisis, after it was confirmed that no representative from the South East Asian nation qualified for the Super Series Masters Finals.
The US$1 million (RM3.4 million) event will take place in Dubai next week and is regarded as the grand finale to every badminton season; featuring the top ranked players for 2014.
Lee Chong Wei was the only player who qualified on merit, but his indefinite suspension due to a failed drug test, means that he will not be allowed to compete in the tournament, leaving Malaysia without a representative in it.
“It’s very disappointing, I won’t deny that. We have been relying way too much on Lee Chong Wei,” BAM Vice President Dato’ Norza Zakaria said.
“I’m extremely disappointed that his two successors have failed to narrow the gap throughout 2014. In the recent Axiata Cup, Wei Feng was the team captain in the absence of Chong Wei, but even he faltered when it mattered the most.
“If these seniors do not buck up, we may have to forget about them and focus on the youngsters.”
Malaysia are the reigning Men’s singles champions, after Lee Chong Wei clinched the 2013 Super Series Masters Final, which was his fourth win in the exact competition, having also triumphed in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
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