HAFIZ Hashim’s slow recovery from a wrist injury has cost him a place in the Thomas Cup qualifying rounds as national coach Misbun Sidek wants to give the better prepared players a chance in the tournament in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 17-22. Although the Thomas Cup squad will only be finalised after the National Grand Prix Finals which begin in Seremban tomorrow, Hafiz is unlikely to be considered as he has not competed in a tournament since the Hong Kong Open in October. Wong Choong Hann is the only player confirmed of a place while Lee Chong Wei, Lee Tsuen Seng, Yeoh Kay Bin, Roslin Hashim and Kuan Beng Hong must fight for the remaining spots. "Hafiz is undergoing a special programme as we do not want him to suffer a recurrence of the wrist injury. Our main concern is to get him back to the international circuit soon so that he will be able to qualify for the Olympics," said Misbun. "He has not competed in any tournaments since the Hong Kong Open and might not be fully fit or ready for the Thomas qualifying rounds. It is better to consider others who are performing consistently. "However, Hafiz should be in contention for a berth in the Thomas Cup squad during the final rounds in Jakarta in May. "We should not take the qualifying rounds lightly and I want all the players to maintain their performance during the GP finals." Misbun also cautioned that improved players like Chong Wei and Kay Bin to maintain their performance in Seremban or risk their places in the Thomas Cup squad. However, Chong Wei looks to be a sure bet due to his consistency in the internationals since reaching the Malaysia Open final in September but players like Tsuen Seng and Roslin are in danger of losing out to back-up shuttlers. Roslin has not been up to par lately and his place could go to Kay Bin but much will depend on how he fares against other back-up shuttlers in the National GP finals. Choong Hann and Roslin failed to qualify for the GP finals and Kay Bin can earn a spot in the Cup squad if he can at least reach the semi-finals. Hafiz’s injury could be a blessing in disguise for doubles coach Yap Kim Hock who can now field three pairs in the 10-man squad. The BA of Malaysia (BAM) usually name five singles and five doubles players but Misbun could opt for four if Kim Hock requests for the additional spot. Kim Hock is likely to name Lee Wan Wah-Choong Tan Fook, Gan Teik Chai-Koo Kien Keat and Chew Choon Eng-Chang Kim Wai to the Thomas Cup squad.
