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Quit niceties and get it off your chest, shuttlers told

KUALA LUMPUR
Mon Jul 14, 2008 11:48pm EDT

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia's Olympic badminton hopefuls must forget social niceties and get everything off their chests in their pursuit of doubles gold, according to national coach Rexy Mainaky.

The nation's pairs must speak up and be frank about things which irritate or upset them in order to do themselves justice at the August 8-24 Beijing Games.

"While the technical preparation is important towards getting them ready, it is not the only thing that needs to be done. It is also important that they feel good towards their partners," Rexy told Malaysia's The Star newspaper.

"If they have differences, I hope they make efforts to resolve them before they leave for Beijing. I hope that don't keep things in their hearts. It's best for them to open up and discuss things that they are not satisfied with."

Mental and off-court preparations will be emphasized in a two-day camp in Genting Highlands beginning on Friday.

"It will be a good avenue for them to get to know each other better," Rexy said. "Usually, they go separate ways after the regular training. But in camp, they are always with each other."

(Reporting by Ossian Shine in Singapore; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)



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