KUALA LUMPUR: Some blame the Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM) for the lack of talent in the country while others question the need for the country to host international events.

S. Theiviya

Tired of the constant ridicule, LTAM are pushing forward a new development programme which they hope to implement soon.

The sanction fees earned from hosting the ITF, WTA, ATP 250 Malaysia Open and Showdown of Champions have topped the half million mark (approximately RM600,000) and it will be channelled towards the programme.

Nevertheless, LTAM are speaking with several potential sponsors to ensure the continuity of the programme which will be implemented throughout the country.

LTAM officials met with several parents at the National Tennis Centre yesterday to jointly work on a plan for the youngsters. Mailsport learnt that among the juniors identified for the programme include Ahmad Deedat, Ariez Elyaas Deen Heshamm, Nazim Khan, Collin Wong and S. Theiviya.

The national team failed to impress at the just concluded Fed Cup Asia/Oceania Zone tournament. The national women’s team finished fourth in Group II. LTAM president Datuk Abdul Razak Latif was displeased with the with attitude and performance of certain players. He was not impressed allegations that the national body was not doing enough for their players.

“We’ve invited some of the players to be part of the team but they prefer doing things on their own. They think we are not good enough. Their results (at the Fed Cup) speak for themselves,” said Abdul Razak.

“We have now drawn up a programme and if LTAM’s effort is not good enough, they are free to go on their own. We have put in tennis much thought. Our plans were not plucked from thin air.”

The programme is divided into four categories – Under- 10 (basic training), Under- 14 (special basic training), Under-18 (intensive training) and 18 years and above (professional training).

The categories will then be sub-divided into talent identification, talent honing and talent exposure. LTAM will select committed coaches and work closely with their affiliates.

The States are expected to organise more tournaments at junior levels with higher prize monies. Abdul Razak hopes to see more coaches coming forward to help. Currently, there are only two Level 3 coaches – Khoo Chin Bee and Suresh Menon – in the country. There are also efforts to organise more international tournaments in the country.