No 1 despite pathetic preparations.

Something is just not quite right. Jawariah Noordin, despite the lack of tournaments and training since 2009, is still National No. 1. 

Why aren't sponsors coming up to fund her? - Due to this she can't compete in many tournaments.

The 22-year-old has not taken part in many tournaments since 2009 - partly due to sour ties with Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM) and that NSC have not done much despite openly stating they will back here.

The national set-up had trials last week to determine the two qualifiers wildcard entries into the WTA Malaysian Open. Jawariah, an invite to the trials, swept all before her.

Considering the lack of preparations, amazing. 

However there are only More woes for national No.1 as she isn't sure what's next for her.

What's going on LTAM?

The national tennis players along out-of-favour and arguably Malaysia's best women's tennis player Jawariah Noordin will undergo trials next week for the two WTA Malaysian Open qualifiers wildcard entry spots.

But where's S. Thieviya? - last's year sole Malaysian qualifiers wildcard receiver

Pic taken from The Star

National coach Deen Heshaam Tan Abdullah says she was invited but did not respond here

However Thieviya and her dad-cum-coach Selvarajoo are denying this.

Selvarajoo, who formerly coached the national team, had initially thought Thieviya was not good enough hence Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia had not invited her.

"If they don't want her around, just say it. Don't have to say we didn't respond," said Selvarajoo.

Read what Selvarajoo and Theiviya had to say in today's Mailsport

Last year, LTAM came under fire for only using up one wildcard - Ajitpal Singh has the story here
Their reasoning was that Theiviya was the only one that asked to play.

The 2012 WTA Malaysian Open will be held at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Club from Feb 27 - March 4.

Show us the hunger!

 pic taken from tenniselbowroom.files.wordpress.com

"Local tennis players will have to act as professionals if they want to play in the professional circuit,' said national tennis body's (LTAM) president Tan Sri Abdul Razak Latiff.

After facing criticism for only using one qualifying wildcard at the 2011 WTA Malaysian Open - reason being only one player (S. Theiviya) came forward and requested to play.

Jawariah Noordin (pic), arguably Malaysia's best women tennis player, was no where to be seen. It's long established that Jawariah and LTAM don't see eye-to-eye but let's not dwell too much into that.

Abdul Razak insist the selection process will be the same for the 2012 edition, only that this time national coach Deen Heesham will be selecting the national representative.

However there is a catch, those not under the national stable - like Jawariah - will have to come forward and approach LTAM. If not Deen will pick as he sees fit - surely those under LTAM will get the nod.

Step up Jawariah - let's have two national reps and quality ones too.

While the intentions of LTAM may be good - this concept or rather mindset has not been instilled in local athletes. Perhaps it's time to stop spoon feeding athletes.

In a way I agree with Abdul Razak - players must show hunger to play. 

Read all about it here.