Juniors need to raise their game to rule at the worlds
Malaysia returned home empty-handed after Dania Sofea Zaidi-Low Zi Yu (girls' doubles), Datu Anif Isaac-Dania and Loh Ziheng-Nuraqilah Maisarah Ramdan (mixed doubles) all lost in their respective quarter-final matches on Friday.
In the mixed team event, Malaysia also fell in the last eight to eventual champions China.
The disappointing outing has raised alarm bells as the gap between Malaysia and the likes of China and Indonesia was laid bare.
Team manager Leong Kin Weng believes that a lot needs to be done to raise the standards of the young shuttlers ahead of the World Junior meet.
'To improve, we need to change the training modules, focus more on our weak points like footwork, strengthen the mental aspect, speed and power,' said Kin Weng.
'Most of our competitors are improving like United Arab Emirates (UAE), Vietnam, Myanmar and Macau.
'I can see they are different from previous championships.'
Kin Weng, though, sees some positives from the likes of Dania, Zi Yu and Nuraqilah.
'Our player who I can see have improved are Dania, Zi Yu, Nuraqilah, Ziheng, Nur Aina Maisarah Hatta (girls' and mixed doubles) and Lim Boon Le (boys' singles). They are likely our future.
'Others need a lot of exposure to strengthen their mindset.'
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