The call has gone out: Malaysian Badminton needs more than one world-beating women's doubles pair, and new coach Zakry Latif is ready to answer it head-on.
- Zakry Latif appointed new national women's doubles coach.
- Primary objective: Bridge the performance chasm between Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and other pairs.
- Aims to develop 2-3 competitive pairs for global dominance within 1-2 years.
- Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee and Low Zi Yu-Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan identified as promising talents.
Zakry's Mandate: Bridging the Gulf
A new era has dawned for Malaysian women's doubles as Zakry Latif steps into the coaching hot seat. His mission is clear, yet monumental: close the significant performance gap separating world No. 2 pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah from the rest of the national squad. This isn't just about winning; it's about building a sustainable future for the sport.
"Our biggest challenge now is to close the gap between the other pairs and Pearly-Thinaah," Zakry stated following a recent training session at the Academy Badminton Malaysia. His return to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) after a 12-year hiatus signals a fresh, urgent push for talent development.
The Road Ahead: Nurturing Raw Talent
The former world championships bronze medallist understands the complexity of his task. Many players are still transitioning from junior ranks, lacking the crucial experience needed for the elite stage. However, Zakry remains optimistic, projecting significant progress within one to two years.
Pearly-Thinaah have undoubtedly led the charge for Malaysia, highlighted by their impressive Indonesia Masters victory last month. Yet, relying on a single dominant pair leaves the nation vulnerable. The hunt for a dependable second and third pair is paramount for sustained success.
Identifying Tomorrow's Stars
Despite the challenges, Zakry sees immense potential simmering within the squad. He emphasizes the need to "polish them and give them time," believing that consistent exposure at the highest levels will be the catalyst for their growth. Patience and strategic development are his watchwords.
Two pairs have already caught his expert eye: Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee, currently ranked world No. 25, and Low Zi Yu-Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan, silver medallists at the world junior championships. These young duos represent the future, a future Zakry is committed to shaping with tailored training and guidance.
A Strategic Start: Observation is Key
His initial days on court have been dedicated to meticulous observation. Zakry is deeply immersed in understanding individual playing styles and assessing tactical patterns for each player. This foundational work will inform every decision and strategy moving forward, ensuring a data-driven approach to development.
As a former men's doubles specialist, Zakry knows the blueprint for success. Malaysia must cultivate at least two or three competitive pairs consistently challenging on the world stage. "If we want to compete at the highest level, we cannot rely on just one pair," he asserted, drawing parallels to the existing depth in mixed doubles. "That is what we will work towards."
