Hafiz wants to stay put

                      Hafiz wants to focus on qualifying for the Olympics.
 
A PLAYER exodus is being anticipated following the resignation of national singles coach Misbun Sidek from the BA of Malaysia (BAM) but Hafiz Hashim wants to stay put with the national elite squad in order to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.
There is every chance that Lee Chong Wei and several other elite players may leave if BAM's negotiations with Misbun fails but Hafiz, ranked World No 23, doesn't want to take any risks as he is at the tailend of his career.

Hafiz feels that remaining with the national set-up is probably the best way for him to qualify for the Olympics where he must break into top 16 by April next year to make the cut.
"I have no choice but to continue training with the elite squad. I have no intention of venturing out of the national squad as I want to focus on qualifying for the Olympics," said Hafiz yesterday.
"It will not be easy as I need to look for own sponsors. My future is secure with BAM at the moment as the allowances, incentives and bonuses are there but I have to keep working hard.

"If I can break into the top 16, I can gain the second singles slot behind Chong Wei in the Olympics and if I stay in the top 24, I should be able to play in the World Championships in London this year.
"I don't want to take any risks at this stage of my career."

Meanwhile, Hafiz faces a tough task in the first round of the Malaysia Open where he will face third seed Chen Long of China but the former is looking to create an upset.

Hafiz has beaten Chen Long once in three previous meetings but admits the young China player has improved a lot.
"I beat him in the semi-finals of the India Open but have lost twice. He has improved a lot and is physically a strong player," said Hafiz. "I must be very aggressive against him in order to create an upset." -- K.M. BOOPATHY
Courtesy of New Straits Times

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