HAFIZ Hashim, regarded as a 'has been' by critics, needs to up his game in the Asian Games as he will likely determine Malaysia's run in the team event.
Hafiz's form, however, has been topsy-turvy since his last title in the 2006 Philippines Open and his disappointing loss to P. Kashyap in the quarter-finals of last month's New Delhi Commonwealth Games added to his misery.
The Kota Baru-born is ranked second behind Lee Chong Wei while Liew Daren and Chan Kwong Beng complete the singles lineup in the team event.
Hafiz's role will be crucial as Malaysia cannot hope for a point from the third singles against world class opponents.
World No 1 Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and Mak Hee Chun-Tan Wee Kiong are doubles combinations.
Malaysia, who are seeded second behind China in the 10-nation team competition, face Thailand in the quarter-finals tomorrow.
The tie, however, could go down to the wire if Hafiz, the World No 20, fails to beat Thailand's second ranked player Tanongsak Saensomboonsak, who he has lost to before.
National singles coach Misbun Sidek said Hafiz looks motivated and determined after the Commonwealth Games.
"He has been putting extra effort in training. Preparation wise, he looks solid. Now I hope he can maintain his form here," said Misbun at the Tianhe Gymnasium in Guangzhou yesterday.
On Malaysia's chances against Thailand, Misbun said Hafiz has to win his match.
"We have a 60-40 chance of beating Thailand but it could turn 50-50 if Hafiz loses.
"Normally, teams take four years to prepare a squad for the Asian Games and I presume Thailand have been doing so since Doha. I believe Thailand have a strong line-up," added Misbun.
Hafiz, however, can take comfort in the fact that he put up a memorable show in the Thomas Cup, eight years ago, also in Guangzhou.
Then, the shuttler defeated Bao Chunlai in Malaysia's 3-2 win over China to enter the final before losing to Indonesia.
But looking at his current form, Hafiz will need his lucky stars to shine on him to repeat that performance.
CREDITS TO NST ONLINE
apis ni lawan tanongsak tu pon aku tak brape confident... 
tolong la menang apis woiiiiiii.... 
Post time 12-11-2010 09:00 AM
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