SUKMA: Capitalise on home advantage, tennis players told

KUCHING: Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu today told the tennis players representing Sarawak at the upcoming 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) to use home ground as an advantage to win the competition.

The Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development gave a reminder to the players that playing at home ground opens up unfamiliarity to the tennis players from other states and calls upon the Sarawak tennis players to use that as an advantage.

“We are playing at home ground, you should not lose (at) your home ground, so this is your big advantage already. Bring your family, your friends to come here and support you.  That would be a good thing,” he said.

Rentap then praised the Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) and its president, Datuk Patrick Liew for doing a tremendous job for hosting many competitions at the SLTA tennis ground.

“There’s been so many competitions here that have been played. I’m very happy that tennis is growing and you guys have a very big future.

“You’re going to the US, you’re going to study and all that, and also remember to have fun, this is the best time of your life,” he said.

Rentap, who is also the chef de mission (CDM) held a meet and greet with the SUKMA Tennis session at Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association on Thursday.

“If you can represent Malaysia later on, I’ll be very, very proud. I’m already very proud that you are already representing Sarawak because there are a lot of people; you come from all around Sarawak – from Sibu, Miri, Kuching.

“Most importantly, you have to work together as a team, one big team, one big family and motivate each other,” he said.

Rentap then rallied the tennis players and the team to plan and strategise their game and keep themselves healthy and hydrated.

“You have to go and strategise – how to go and win that point. These people are also coming from all over, they will be travelling here also, they’ll be tired, they’ll not be used to the courts, you have an advantage, so keep on training.

“Competition is tough, but I believe we already have a chance of winning.

“I think Datuk Patrick will have a strategy for you to win, so anything, whatever it is, any problem you leave it somewhere else first, before you go to the court. Do your best when you’re on the court,” he said.

At the same time, Liew who was also present at the meet and greet urged the tennis players to display a positive body language especially when stepping into the tennis court.

“Walk into the court, lift your shoulders with your heads (lifted) up, let your opponent and the people see your confidence.

“I would like to see you (as tennis players) adjust your body language,” he said, emphasising its importance as it enhances the chances of winning.