Team captain optimistic after Davis Cup success

New Straits Times

a day ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Davis Cup captain Adam Jaya believes his charges' strong performances in the Asia-Oceania Group IV competition which concluded on Saturday (July 19) bodes well for Malaysia's hopes in upcoming competitions.
Malaysia topped Pool A in the competition after routing Nepal, Iraq and Kyrgyzstan - beating them all 3-0 - before downing Qatar 2-0 in the promotional playoff at the National Tennis Centre here on Saturday to secure promotion to Group III next year.
Promotion was a relief for both Malaysian fans as well as the national body, Tennis Malaysia (TM). The squad was relegated from Group III last year. Malaysia had never competed in Group IV, which is the second lowest tier, prior to this.
National team head coach Muliyadi Jamal opted to field a relatively young squad this year, featuring Darrshan Kumar, 18, Daniel Prickett (20), Leroy Yong (21), Naufal Kamaruzzaman (23) and Koay Hao Sheng (26).
They dropped only one set throughout the whole competition.
Adam hopes the players can continue their fine form at the Thailand Sea Games (Dec 9-20) as well as next year's Davis Cup.
"Now that the job (promotion) is done, I believe we have a good group of players ahead of the Sea Games," said Adam yesterday (July 19).
"We have the momentum now. I hope the players will continue to train and also compete in tournaments to maintain their form.
"With this group of players, as well as a few who are not here, I believe we can be competitive at the Sea Games as well as in (Davis Cup) Group III next season.
"We have been playing in Group III for many years so we know what it takes to stay there or to win it. We have the experience.
"We, however, need to make sure our best players are available as Group III is an even tougher competition (compared to Group IV)."
Southeast Asian heavyweights Thailand and Indonesia competed in Group III this year alongside Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Vietnam, Syria, Jordan, Sri Lanka and Cambodia.
National team stalwart Hao Sheng was dependable as always, winning all four of his matches for Malaysia in Group IV this year despite feeling ill during his match against Kyrgyzstan's Mirgiiaz Mirdzhaliev.
Darrshan was arguably the most outstanding player among the younger players in the squad, displaying outstanding court coverage, variety of shots and a solid serve which belies his diminutive physique.
He thumped Iraq's Akam Bakr 6-1, 6-1 during the group stage before securing promotion for Malaysia with a decisive 6-3, 6-1 win over Qatar's Mossa Alharrasi.
"He moves very well, this is his weapon but Darrshan also has good variety in his shots which are also quite powerful, this surprised many of his opponents," said Adam.
"For a smaller player, he also has a very good serve."
Darrshan will be leaving for the United States later next month to join the University of North Dakota where he will study biomedical engineering and play collegiate tennis. University of North Dakota is an NCAA division one school.
Adam, who is also a former national coach, added that he is prepared to continue in his role as Davis Cup team captain next season.
"Tennis has always been my passion and my love for the game will always remain the same," said Adam.
"If I am offered the role of team captain, I will definitely accept it. My schedule is quite busy as I also have a business to manage but I will definitely find a way if my country needs me."