TTAM only drops two paddlers for 2019 SEA Games

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 -- The Table Tennis Association of Malaysia (TTAM) said only two paddlers from the Podium programme were dropped from the 2019 Philippines SEA Games this coming November and not seven, as reported.

TTAM vice-president, Dr Chin Kuen Liang revealed that only Ho Ying and Karen Lyne has not been named for the SEA Games squad as both players had opted out of TTAM’s development programme.

This was following their decision to sign an agreement with the National Sports Council (NSC) on Aug 22 to undergo training with ex-international, Beh Lee Wei, after already having signed an acceptance letter, dated Aug 13 to undergo centralised training conducted by TTAM under Chinese coach, Mu Tong.

“We want to emphasise that both Ho Ying and Karen Lyne have not been suspended or have disciplinary actions taken against them by TTAM. If they want to come back, they are welcome. We can continue to train them under TTAM’s development programme for other major tournaments.

“But for the 2019 SEA Games, 2019, TTAM’s list of players is final as it has been approved by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) and submitted. We respect their choice to opt out from TTAM’s development programme. So, we hope they and NSC respect TTAM’s final list as well,” according to Dr Chin in a statement issued by TTAM today.

On the same note, Dr Chin revealed that national male paddler, Leong Chee Feng was not included in the SEA Games squad after the latter was handed a six-months suspension since last January, for misconduct and unruly behaviour.

 Seven national paddlers, led by Ho Ying held a press conference on Saturday, seeking intervention by Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, after their names were dropped from the 2019 SEA Games by TTAM due to ‘disciplinary’ reasons.

Commenting further, Dr Chin revealed that Ho Ying and Karen Lyne would be replaced with two junior paddlers --  Im Li Ying and Lee Xin Nim, while Amos Ling Yi Heng would take over Leong’s position for the 2019 SEA Games.

He added that TTAM would send eight paddlers for the biennial games, namely four males and four females.

The male players were Muhammad Ashraf Haiqal Muhammad Rizal, Wong Qi Shen, Choong Javen and Amos Ling Yi Heng while the women’s team comprised of Alice Chang Li Sian, Tee Ai Xin, Im Li Ying and Lee Xin Ni.

-- BERNAMA