No sign of hope!

Let's face it - when Lee Chong Wei retires after the Olympics or some time next year, Malaysia will be no where to be seen in the badminton scene.

His replacement

Liew Daren

The 25-year-old is far from what Chong Wei is or ever was in recent years.

There is no one ready to step up, besides Zulfadli Zulkifli. But that boy is still only 18 and will need lots of nurturing despite already winning the World and Asian junior titles last year.

BAM secretary is aware of the situation and disappointingly admitted that it will take two to three for a new talent to emerged.

Well that's only singles you may say. but what about the doubles department.

Sadly, after showing all sorts of promise in the past, Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong have only showed signed of a fall and have admitted to needing soul searching.

Read Trouble in paradise in today's Mailsport for a wrap-up on the recently concluded Malaysia Open SuperSeries.

Is there a Chong Wei replacement?

A big fat NOOO is the answer.

At least that's what Taufik Hidayat thinks. Even Lee Choong Wei agrees that there is no ready replacement.

Malaysia and Indonesia were long foes in badminton, this was before China emerged. While Malaysia can still rely on Chong Wei, Indonesia's Taufik and Simon Santoso are slowly fading away. They may be still in the top ten BWF ranking but they are no match for Lin Dan and Chong Wei.

Because Indonesia does not have a next generation of players ready to step in, Taufik vows to keep himself in the game as long as he can - if he can remain a top player.

"Look at Pete Gade... He's 34 but still going strong. Maybe I'll ask him what's his secret," said Taufik.

According to Taufik the Future looks dull as Malaysia and Indonesia lack depth in quality.

Meanwhile Chong Wei, agreeing wih Taufik, calls for Daren to step up

There is Zulfadli Zulkifli though. However the World and Asian junior champion will need a good few years of grooming. But let's not get carried away and hype him up.