Shuttler Muhammad Faiq Sees Future In Doubles But Dabbles In Singles At Coach's Request

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- Teenage shuttler Muhammad Faiq Haziq Masawi knows he has a better future in men's doubles but he's happy to dabble in singles for a year at his coach's request.

The 18-year-old from Selangor said, although he idolises national pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzudin Rumsani, he readily gave in to the request by Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) coaching director Rexy Mainaky to focus on men's singles.

"I am now a senior (and) am named in men's singles (but I actually) want to play in men's doubles. The coach asked me to focus on singles for a year (first). Since I'm still young, I just follow what the coach says.

"I think, in the future, I can play in men's doubles because I have achieved better results in the doubles category… even my idols are Sze Fei-Nur Izzudin,” he said after clearing the men's doubles qualifying round for the 2024 Malaysia Super 100 tournament at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara today.

In the qualifying round, Muhammad Faiq and his partner Lok Hong Quan disposed of another national pair Chen Chang Ng-Wong Zhi Kang 21-9, 21-5.

However, Muhammad Faiq had no such luck in men's singles when he went down 18-21, 17-21 to Taiwan's Chu Chen Jia.

Nonetheless, Muhammad Faiq is happy that he managed to confirm a spot in the main draw and hopes to do his best as a mark of gratitude for the opportunity given to play in the tournament.

"I was at the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) for only a year and trained under the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) since Form 2 (aged 14),” he said.

The Malaysia Super 100 tournament, which began today, ends on Sunday (Oct 20).

-- BERNAMA