BAM leaves out top shuttlers from Asian challenge

KUALA LUMPUR: The top names are missing as BAM unveiled a youthful squad today for the Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) in Qingdao, China, from Feb 3-8.

Stars like Leong Jun Hao, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah are conspicuously missing from both the men's and women's line-ups.

BAM has opted for men's singles players Justin Hoh (world No. 39), Aidil Sholeh Sadikin (No. 45) and Eogene Ewe (No. 86). Junior Kong Wei Xiang, 18, has been roped for exposure.

For doubles duties, the players are world No. 17 Arif Junaidi-Yap Roy King, world No. 33 Haikal Nazri-Choong Hon Jian and former world junior champions Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing.

On the women's side, national No. 1 K. Letshanaa leads the squad, with world No. 43 Wong Ling Ching and youngsters Siti Zulaikha Azmi and Oo Shan Zi completing the singles lineup.

The women's doubles players are world No. 25 Ong Xin Yee-Carmen Ting, Chong Jie Yu-Vanessa Ng and Cheng Su Hui-Tan Zhing Yi.

With both squads filled with youngsters and second stringers, it is clear that BAM is looking to expose up-and-coming players to a continental team competition and prioritising the seniors for the Thomas and Uber Cups in April.