Rashid takes Daren to task

NATIONAL singles chief coach Rashid Sidek has told Liew Daren to change his lackadaisical attitude following his poor show in last week's National GP finals in Alor Star.
And it was not the first time that Daren has flopped in local tournaments.
Daren was presented with an opportunity to succeed Lee Chong Wei as the national champion but the top seed surprisingly fell to Misbun Ramdan Misbun in the group stage.
Rashid, who took Daren to task, said the latter should be serious when playing in local tournaments as losing to his juniors will only tarnish his reputation.
"I just cannot explain his attitude towards local tournaments.
"He always fares poorly. He must be serious and be more professional," said a disappointed Rashid.
"Even Chong Wei said Daren would not win in Alor Star. He challenged Daren to prove him wrong.
"Chong Wei did it in good faith as he wants Daren to succeed him and also become a better player internationally.
"However, Daren never changed when it comes to local events and this is just not right.
"Chong Wei stayed unbeaten in local events since 2003.
"Even during my times, I had to compete with players like Foo Kok Keong and my brother (Misbun Sidek) and we will always go for victory.
"Daren's attitude is totally different in international tournaments where he battles hard and we would love to see the same qualities in local events."
Rashid said on the other hand, Chong Wei Feng takes things seriously, be it local or international events, and this will help him progress faster.
Although local tournaments are not a yardstick for player's success, Daren may have to remember that Chong Wei's first title was the National Grand Prix Finals in 2003 and that success propelled his career.
Daren must change his mindset if he wants to emulate at least half of what Chong Wei has achieved in his career.
Courtesy of New Straits Times