In science we learned that light travels faster than sound. But now it likes like the national singles shuttlers travel faster than light. Yes! This was the scenario when the singles players arrived at the Putra Stadium the lights were out. In actual fact the lights were switched on 30 minutes late yesterday — at 7am, 30 minutes later than the 6.30am time.
Though the players lost 30 minutes, nevertheless, they quickly got to work and trained diligently — occasionally coming out with jokes and laughing it out.
There was no drift in the venue as the air condition was only turned on almost an hour later, just in time for the doubles team to take their positions in court.
The singles players only managed 1 1/2 hours of quality training — minus the presence of national singles coach Datuk Misbun Sidek who is recovering from a lung infection.
Yet, psychologist Frederick Tan believes it is all in the mind.
After spending some time chatting with the players, he picked Lee Chong Wei as an example and said: “I’m not worried about Chong Wei.
He is a disciplined player and knows what to do without being told. It’s all about sitting down and opening up.
He is a very focused player and even without Misbun (Sidek) around, he knows what to do.”
In contrast, Frederick said it is top women’s player Wong Mew Choo that he is worried about.
Mew Choo will not compete in the Malaysia Open due to a nagging knee injury. The KL lass, however, has not been at her best since returning from the Beijing Olympics last August. The once bubbly shuttler now cuts a solemn figure and is hardly seen around.
Even national head coach Rashid Sidek hopes Mew Choo will benefit from the almost two months lay-off and come back strong for the All-England championships.
“Mew Choo needs to build her mental strength. She’s not in her best condition and this has dampened her spirits.
Her mind wants to carry on, but her legs wouldn’t allow it. It can be very frustrating,” added Frederick.
Frederick, who is attached to the National Sports Institute, added the masses are unaware of the pressure absorbed by such players. “There are good days and there are bad days. Statements are made and they are constantly in the limelight — good or bad.
“The players need to learn how to be independent and know how to ward off such pressure so that it will not affect their play.”
“Misbun is not around today but Chong Wei needs to learn that the coach’s ‘shadow’ is lurking around. In the near future, I may not be around too and Chong Wei needs to know that my shadow too will be lurking around as well.
“It’s all in the mind...and we need to keep it that way.”