ZAKRY Latif and Fairuzizuan Tazari believe overstaying in the national team will negatively impact younger pairs hence their decision to quit the BA of Malaysia.
Fairuz, 28, also admitted he and Zakry had progressed as far as they could in the national squad, prompting them to look for other means to lengthen their careers.
Fairuz said although they could have carried on playing until the Olympics next year, it would have been unfair on his current partner Ong Soon Hock, 26, and Zakry's partner Hoon Thien How, 25.
Fairuz said although they could have carried on playing until the Olympics next year, it would have been unfair on his current partner Ong Soon Hock, 26, and Zakry's partner Hoon Thien How, 25.
"We have achieved our maximum as a national senior pair together and with others and it is time to move on. We did have an option until the Olympics but that would be unfair on our partners. They can now look for younger partners to prolong their careers," said Fairuz yesterday.
"There are so many back-up pairs coming through but normally, the senior pairs get to compete more due to qualification for major events and this delays the succession process. Now the back-up pairs will definitely get more opportunities to compete.
"My pairing with Soon Hock is ranked World No 18 and I would stand a better chance (of Olympic qualification) but there is no guarantee we can produce results.
"My pairing with Soon Hock is ranked World No 18 and I would stand a better chance (of Olympic qualification) but there is no guarantee we can produce results.
"I would rather start afresh with Zakry and if we can qualify for the Olympics, it would be fantastic. However, we don't want to be stumbling blocks to the youngsters anymore."
Zakry-Fairuz made an impact between 2006 and 2008 where they were ranked as high as World No 8 and were in the running to gain an Olympic berth ahead of Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah but the BA of Malaysia (BAM) settled for the veteran pair.
Their performance suffered since then and they were split last year.
Zakry said they will play as an independent pair and select their tournaments based on their form, condition and most importantly, without the pressure of being a national pair.
"Being a national pair comes with high expectations and it was tough when Thien How and I couldn't perform the way we wanted. Now our (Zakry-Fairuz) destiny is in our hands," said Zakry.
"BAM has given us permission to train with the national team three times a week and we will also train on our own. We are both 28 and it would be tough to remain in the national team when we are not doing well.
"At least, the new beginning will give us a chance. Zakry and I have partnered before and gelling will not be a problem.
"Our main aim is to aim for a Thomas Cup spot next year and we will also battle for Olympic qualification even though it will be very difficult."
Zakry-Fairuz's first event together will be the Indonesia Open grand prix gold in East Kalimantan on Sept 27-Oct 2. They will also play in the Denmark and French Opens in October.
"Being a national pair comes with high expectations and it was tough when Thien How and I couldn't perform the way we wanted. Now our (Zakry-Fairuz) destiny is in our hands," said Zakry.
"BAM has given us permission to train with the national team three times a week and we will also train on our own. We are both 28 and it would be tough to remain in the national team when we are not doing well.
"At least, the new beginning will give us a chance. Zakry and I have partnered before and gelling will not be a problem.
"Our main aim is to aim for a Thomas Cup spot next year and we will also battle for Olympic qualification even though it will be very difficult."
Zakry-Fairuz's first event together will be the Indonesia Open grand prix gold in East Kalimantan on Sept 27-Oct 2. They will also play in the Denmark and French Opens in October.
Courtesy of New Straits Times
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