Badminton: Serving up new force

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Li Feng is convinced New Zealand's relaxed lifestyle is not helping in her efforts to produce world class badminton players.

Feng, who replaced long-serving national coach Graeme Robson after last year's Commonwealth Games, is enjoying working with the national squad of 12 aged between 19-27, but at times finds the challenge frustrating.

"I come from a country where the attitude towards sport is very professional," said 34-year-old Feng who came to New Zealand from China eight years ago. "To reach the top, the players here must train more regularly. That is not easy when they try and juggle their training around their work and study."

Assistance in the form of increased funding from the Government agency Sparc may help.

"If you want to compete internationally you virtually have to make a fulltime commitment.

"We have some players like Dan Shirley and Sara Runesten Petersen who are prepared to make those sacrifices," said Feng, who today will be in Hamilton for the opening day of the three-day Waikato International at which New Zealand's best will be on court with players from 16 visiting nations.

"They are training four hours a day. At the moment they are probably the only New Zealanders capable of qualifying for next year's Olympics.

"They realise you do not get too many opportunities to play at the Olympics. Dan is not doing any papers at university this year and Sara has quit her job to concentrate on badminton."

Feng says there is "a big gap in singles at the moment" but is reasonably happy with doubles, especially the Shirley/Runesten Petersen mixed combination. She also feels Shirley and John Gordon could do reasonably well in men's doubles.

"I am still working with our singles players but there is a lot still to be done."

Feng and Danish-born Runesten Petersen have New Zealand citizenship but squad member Linda Wu has only just applied for residency.

"I don't think we should be looking at players from overseas," said Feng, who represented New Zealand at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur. "We need Kiwis playing their way into the national squad."

For now the three-test Whyte Trophy head-to-head with Australia remains the priority.

"I agree with the decision not to go to the world championships in England. We might get two or three players to the Olympics but we should be looking further ahead and trying to get as many players as we can to Melbourne for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

"With the extra funding from Sparc we have been able to card 11 of our squad members, which will be a big help."

Badminton New Zealand chief executive Peter Dunne said working closely with Sparc had been a godsend.

"They will see where we are headed. Hopefully the extra funding will allow players like Geoff Bellingham and John Moody make a bigger commitment."

While New Zealand can win Olympic qualifying spots as the best in Oceania, Dunne is mindful that that alone will not be enough.

"Anyone hoping to go to Athens must be in the top 16 in their discipline. This is the criteria we have agreed with the National Olympic Committee."

Dunne is convinced Feng is the right person to lead that charge.

"She has adapted well to the role. We are at a very interesting stage. We attract kids to our sport but do not have the volunteer structure to support them."

Feng says her emphasis is on improving player's technique. "Sometimes it is a challenge. Life can be a challenge."

Inside track

Name: Li Feng

Age: 34

Born: China, came to New Zealand 8 years ago.

Near misses

Missed 1996 Olympic Games due to residency requirements.

Was in NZ team that was expected to win a medal at 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur but were knocked out by hosts Malaysia.

Missed place for 2000 Olympics due to ongoing injury.

Had retired from playing before 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games.

* The Waikato International starts this afternoon with the finals on Sunday.