Faiq will double up his effort to excel in the singles

PETALING JAYA: Young shuttler Mohd Faiq Masawi hopes to improve his fortunes in the men’s singles next year after struggling in the event so far.

The 18-year-old, who has moved up to the senior team, will be focusing on the singles next year after his partnership in the men’s doubles with Lok Hong Quan ended last month.

Faiq-Hong Quan finished runners-up to Taiwan’s He Zhi-wei-Huang Jui-hsuan in their last outing in the Vietnam International Series.

In the singles, Faiq’s best result this year was reaching the quarter-finals in the World Junior Championships in Nanchang, China, in October.

“I will be focusing on the singles next year. My partnership with Hong Quan has ended,” said Faiq.

“I accept the coaches’ decision and I hope to do better in the singles next year.

“It’s a big challenge for me as I’m moving up to the senior level but I hope to adapt well.”

Faiq is currently ranked No. 355 in the world while the others in the senior team above him are Leong Jun Hao (No. 29), Eogene Ewe (No. 103) and Ng Tze Yong (No. 200).

The left-handed youngster, who has started training with his seniors under the watchful eyes of singles coaches K. Yogendran and Alvin Chew, is out to close the gap between him and the others.

“I feel that the gap between me and the others is not very far.

‘‘I hope to catch up with them,” said Faiq.

“So far everything is going well for me in training under coach Yogendran and Alvin. I need to train hard and adapt to the new coaches.”

Faiq is also looking forward to meeting new head coach Kenneth Jonassen, who will officially join on Jan 4.

“I’m waiting for coach Kenneth, as I want to know about his plans for me,” said Faiq.

“I will discuss with him about my tournaments for next year.”