SUKMA: Mitsuki Banking On Experience To Defend Titles

IPOH, Aug 3 (Bernama) -- National tennis player Mitsuki Leong Wei Kang, 20, is focusing on managing the pressure that comes with being the defending champion at the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Sarawak this month.

Mitsuki, ranked 712th on the ATP list, said he would use his experience from the previous SUKMA edition in Kuala Lumpur to cope with the situation.

The Ipoh-born lad, who won the men’s singles and mixed doubles titles in the last edition, said he has not made any special preparations for this SUKMA.

"I treat this (SUKMA) just like another tournament. Don't put something special on it so that it won't add any pressure on yourself. Think of it as a one-off tournament, then I think you'll have the results your way,” he said when met by Bernama recently.

However, Mitsuki felt that he would be able to handle the pressure better this time as this is his second SUKMA.

Mitsuki said that having his father, Jeff Leong, as his coach is an advantage because his father knows him better than anyone else.

"He knows me better than other people. So, he knows whenever I'm down, knows how to cheer me up, especially in crucial situations,” he added.

Mitsuki, who will defend his two titles and also play in the team event, is confident that Perak can do well in this SUKMA.

"I hope to win gold again because I'm defending my titles. I think our team is quite strong this time and has a chance to get gold.

"I feel pretty confident; (even) the mixed doubles combination with my sister (Shihomi Leong Li Xuan) is also good, and our team is pretty solid. I think we can get points in every tie," said Mitsuki, who will be playing in his last SUKMA because of the age limit.

Meanwhile, Perak SUKMA tennis coach Fazwil Abdul Wahid said they have listed the best players for the games, including under-16 backup players.

He said the squad of six men and five women players will participate in all the events contested.

"We are targeting four of the six golds on offer - the team event, men's singles, women's singles and mixed doubles. In Kuala Lumpur (last edition) we managed to bring back two golds and one bronze," said Fazwil, who is also the Perak Lawn Tennis Association president.

SUKMA 2024 will be held from Aug 17 to 24.

-- BERNAMA