CHENGDU: Psychologist Frederick Tan (pic) has made a real difference to the team in the Thomas Cup Finals.
Skipper Soh Wooi Yik and his teammates reached their first semi-final in the prestigious team meet since the 2016 edition in Kunshan, China, and Frederick has played an important role behind the scenes in the team’s fine run.
He has continued to arrange team bonding activities for the players in Chengdu after organising a training camp before the tournament.
National coaching director Rexy Mainaky credited Frederick for changing the players’ mindset.
“Fred’s touch has made a difference to the team,” said Rexy.
“He had been motivating the players very well.
“Thanks to his work, every player feels valuable and believes they can contribute to the team.
“We can see the players have each other’s backs. When one loses a match, others are stepping up.
“Fred has changed the way the players think,” added Rexy.
Frederick, who used to work closely with Datuk Lee Chong Wei during the latter’s playing days, was brought in by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) in February to help the players ahead of the Paris Olympics in July.
In fact, it was Chong Wei’s suggestion for the team to engage Frederick, as he knows how important it was having someone who continues to believe and trust the players despite their highs and lows.
His work is already proving to be effective as players, who have rarely played in the Thomas Cup like men’s doubles pair Choong Hon Jian-Mohd Haikal Nazri have also contributed by supporting their teammates from the sidelines.
Both Haikal and Hon Jian have been spotted cheering loudly and willing their teammates on during crucial times in matches.
Malaysia delivered a rousing performance to upstage Japan 3-1 in the last eight on Friday.
Zii Jia and Leong Jun Hao won their respective matches in the first and second singles while doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani rose to the occasion to deliver the winning point.