Mar 7: NST THE BA of Malaysia (BAM) may not be too optimistic of the national team’s chances in the mixed team event, but as far as the International Badminton Federation (IBF) is concerned, Malaysia are good enough to be seeded No 1 for the Commonwealth Games. Malaysian shuttlers are expected to deliver at least four gold medals in Melbourne via the men’s singles and doubles, women’s doubles and either the women’s singles or the mixed team event. However, BAM officials have stated that England will start as the favourites for the mixed team event. But in yesterday’s draw for the team event in Melbourne, Malaysia were given top billing by the IBF. England are the second seeds while New Zealand and Singapore are the joint third-fourth seeds. Rounding up the top eight teams are Canada, Australia, India and Sri Lanka. Malaysia were placed in Pool A in the company of Sri Lanka, Northern Ireland and Fiji. New Zealand head Pool B which also comprises hosts Australia, Jamaica, Uganda and Kenya. Singapore are in Pool C with Canada, Mauritius and Jersey while Pool D comprises England, India, Seychelles and Trinidad and Tobago. The team event starts on March 16. However, the fixtures for the team event, and the draw for the individual events will only be done later this week.
