Coach Misbun Sidek had spoken last month of his intention to find a left-handed sparring partner for Chong Wei, who will be out to deny China’s Lin Dan his fifth All-England title. The All-England will be held in Birmingham from March 9-14.

The only two southpaws in the back-up squad now are Chun Seang and Chong Wei Feng.

“If I’m asked to be Chong Wei’s sparring partner ... that’s fine by me. It’s a good opportunity for me to improve my game,” said Chun Seang.

“I think it’s high time that I improve myself after being in the back-up squad for five years without much success.”

The 23-year-old said that since he joined the back-up squad at the age of 19, his progress as a player had been quite slow.

“If I’m picked to be Chong Wei’s sparring partner, it will be a real boost to my training because he is playing at a much higher level than any of us,” said Chun Seang.

“(Chan) Kwong Beng benefited from becoming Chong Wei’s sparring partner for two years and his game improved a lot. If I were given the chance, I would grab it with both hands.”

Chun Seang is aware that he will come under immense pressure the moment he becomes Chong Wei’s sparring partner.

Last September, Kwong Beng was reduced to tears when he was chased out of a training session after getting a tongue-lashing from Misbun for his lack of commitment in training.

Chun Seang, however, is looking forward to being put under pressure by Misbun, saying it would help him to be mentally strong in competitions.

“I know that Kwong Beng went through tough times as Chong Wei’s sparring partner ... it comes with the territory. But I have to be able to take whatever that is thrown at me. I must overcome the pressure and get used to the scoldings if I am to improve my game,” said Chun Seang.

Courtesy of The Star