AMIDST FLU, TERRORIST THREAT, M'SIA EYES WORLD BADMINTON TITLE

By P. Vijian

HYDERABAD, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- Under a canopy of tight security, Malaysian
shuttlers will begin their quest for the prestigious Yonex-Sunrise World
Badminton Champions Monday, as Indian officials quelled any terrorist threat
to players in the historical city which was once ruled by the aristrocratic
Nizam dynasty.

Ignoring a milieu of woes -- security risks across India ahead of its
Independence Day on Aug 15, compounded by the swelling swine flu deaths -- the
world's top badminton players assembled in the Andra Pradesh capital.

The state has been vulnerable to terrorist strikes in the past.

Acting on intelligence gatherings, India's top security agency, Intelligence
Bureau (IB) has alerted that terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba might launch a
strike, similar to the armed ambush on the Sri Lankan national cricket team in
Lahore, Pakistan, last March, where several players were injured.

But, undeterred by outside troubles, a relaxed Malaysian team warmed up
inside the Gochibowli Indoor Stadium, where their only rivals now are the strong
wind from the internal air-conditioning that could disturb the flow of
shuttlecocks and the overpowering, ultra-fit Chinese players.

"The air-condition is certainly a problem inside the stadium, our players
are trying to adjust their play," national singles coach Misbun Sidek told
Bernama Sunday.

Commenting on his prodigy, current world champion Datuk Lee Chong Wei,
Misbun said Lee was not under any pressure, even from his shadow-rival China's
Lin Dan, seeded fifth in the tournament.

"I told him to focus on his game, he is the number one now. I just want him
to concentrate on the tournament and not on Lin Dan.

"He (Lin Dan) is just another player in the tournament, he is not superior"
added Misbun.

Asked about the overall mood of the national badminton team for the
championship, Misbun said Malaysian players were in the right frame of mind and
ready for the big challenge.

"This is the tournament they waited very much for. They are looking cheerful
and ready for the game, both mentally and physically fit. They don't seem to
be under any pressure," said Misbun.

This year's tournament has attracted 330 players from 44 badminton-playing
nations.
-- BERNAMA