FIGHTING TALK: Shuttler vows Malaysia will produce their best against Indonesia
To expect anyone but Indonesia to win gold in the men's team event is a realistic assumption but young Malaysian shuttler Arif Latif is having none of it.
Malaysia are seeded second and can only meet Indonesia in the final, a prospect Arif is relishing as he looks to prove himself on the international stage.
"I've come here with my own personal target, to win a medal. We will try to do as we best as we can, try to score an upset.
"Indonesia are definitely the favourites, they've got world class players. But that is not to say we can't match them. The only thing we might be lacking is experience
"It will be difficult to beat them but not impossible," said Arif, 22, after a training session at Istora Senayan yesterday.
Arif, playing in his first Sea Games, has often been spoken of as a successor to Lee Chong Wei but his development has lagged that of his contemporary from China, Chen Long, who has risen to be No 3 in the world.
"I know where that is coming from but I think I still have a long way to go yet. My development may be late but I'm not about to give up trying to improve.
"I realise I have to be more consistent in terms of results and performances. It is a bit of up and down at the moment and consistency is key to reaching the top," added Arif, who finished runner-up to Chong Wei at the 2010 National Circuit Grand Prix Finals in Terengganu in February.
The men's team open their campaign in the quarter-finals against Vietnam and a win will likely pit them against Singapore in the semi-finals. The final is scheduled for Tuesday.
Malaysia are the defending champions in the women's team event and a repeat of the 2009 final against Indonesia is on the cards as the two teams are due to clash in the semi-finals.
However, Malaysia's bid to retain the gold has been made difficult by the absence of Wong Mew Choo (retired), and Chin Eei Hui-Wong Pei Tty (Olympic qualifying), having all played a leading role in the 3-1 final win two years ago.
The women open their campaign against Philippines today ahead of tomorrow's semi-finals with the final scheduled for Monday.
Team draw -- Men's 1st rd: Myanmar v Philippines; Q-finals: Indonesia v Laos, Thailand v Cambodia, Myanmar/Philippines v Singapore, Vietnam v Malaysia.
Women's q-finals: Thailand bye, Singapore v Myanmar, Philippines v Malaysia, Vietnam v Indonesia.
Malaysia are seeded second and can only meet Indonesia in the final, a prospect Arif is relishing as he looks to prove himself on the international stage.
"I've come here with my own personal target, to win a medal. We will try to do as we best as we can, try to score an upset.
"Indonesia are definitely the favourites, they've got world class players. But that is not to say we can't match them. The only thing we might be lacking is experience
"It will be difficult to beat them but not impossible," said Arif, 22, after a training session at Istora Senayan yesterday.
Arif, playing in his first Sea Games, has often been spoken of as a successor to Lee Chong Wei but his development has lagged that of his contemporary from China, Chen Long, who has risen to be No 3 in the world.
"I know where that is coming from but I think I still have a long way to go yet. My development may be late but I'm not about to give up trying to improve.
"I realise I have to be more consistent in terms of results and performances. It is a bit of up and down at the moment and consistency is key to reaching the top," added Arif, who finished runner-up to Chong Wei at the 2010 National Circuit Grand Prix Finals in Terengganu in February.
The men's team open their campaign in the quarter-finals against Vietnam and a win will likely pit them against Singapore in the semi-finals. The final is scheduled for Tuesday.
Malaysia are the defending champions in the women's team event and a repeat of the 2009 final against Indonesia is on the cards as the two teams are due to clash in the semi-finals.
However, Malaysia's bid to retain the gold has been made difficult by the absence of Wong Mew Choo (retired), and Chin Eei Hui-Wong Pei Tty (Olympic qualifying), having all played a leading role in the 3-1 final win two years ago.
The women open their campaign against Philippines today ahead of tomorrow's semi-finals with the final scheduled for Monday.
Team draw -- Men's 1st rd: Myanmar v Philippines; Q-finals: Indonesia v Laos, Thailand v Cambodia, Myanmar/Philippines v Singapore, Vietnam v Malaysia.
Women's q-finals: Thailand bye, Singapore v Myanmar, Philippines v Malaysia, Vietnam v Indonesia.
Read more: SEA GAMES: Arif: We are not scared - Badminton - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/sea-games-arif-we-are-not-scared-1.4767#ixzz1deBJ3SWD
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