Malaysia’s shuttlers heading to the World Championships will have only an hour each this weekend to adjust to the Adidas Arena — a key test before their Paris campaign.
Team manager Rexy Mainaky confirmed that the official practice time will be divided into two 30-minute sessions for both singles and doubles players, including independent shuttlers.
The team has been allocated three courts on Saturday and another three on Sunday, offering minimal opportunity to familiarise themselves with the venue before action begins on Monday (Aug 25).
“We will just get 30 minutes each for singles and doubles to try out the court, and they must make full use of that time,” said Rexy.
“That’s why I keep telling the players not to think, ‘I haven’t had enough time to adjust.’
“When they step onto the court, their mindset should be, ‘This is how I win points,’ not about how to adapt. The sessions are their only chance to get used to the conditions — the draught, the lighting, and any distractions. If you’re truly world-class, this shouldn’t be anything new. They’ve faced this before.”
Organisers have also scheduled a 90-minute slot at the practice hall on Saturday and a two-and-a-half-hour session at the warm-up courts inside the Adidas Arena on Sunday.
Some Malaysians will enter the tournament with the advantage of prior experience at the venue. Men’s singles world No. 52 Lee Zii Jia and men’s doubles world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, both Olympic bronze medallists, are already familiar with the hall.
About the Author
