Cheah Soon Kit advises Singles players to be wary of Koreans in Thomas Cup Finals
Malaysian badminton legend Cheah Soon Kit thinks Men’s Singles squad of South Korea contains more strength than Malaysia and national campaigners will have to put extra effort against them if they meet in Thomas Cup Finals, starting in Wuhan from May 20-27.
However, Soon Kit raised hopes of his shuttlers by saying that Korea lacks determination and aggression and it may work against them.
Malaysia will bank on World Number one Lee Chong Wei, Daren Liew and Hafiz Hashim while Korea will have services of the maestro Lee Hyun Il, Shon Wan Ho, Hong Ji Hoon and Lee Dong Keun.
The badminton king Lee Chong Wei will lead his team by playing as first Singles campaigner against Lee Hyun Il and former international Soon Kit believes the Malaysian ace will rule the court in the opening encounter.
He said, “Overall, Malaysia is good at winning only one point through Lee Chong Wei, who is a better overall player than the Koreans’ aging top shuttler Lee Hyun-il. It will be tough for Malaysia in all the others ties.”
Next clash will be between World Number 33 Daren Liew and reigning India Open Champion Shon Wan Ho.
The Korean will enjoy the upper hand against struggling Daren as he overpowered top Malaysian shuttler Chong Wei in title match of India Open.
Former Olympic silver medallist Soon Kit declared Wan Ho victorious and stated that he will utilise his confidence in second Singles tie to pocket a crucial match point for his country.
He said, “Wan-ho will be oozing with confidence when he takes on Daren and I’m inclined to give the Koreans a sure point here.”
Moreover, Soon Kit also alarmed the national squad by saying that they lack strength in Doubles event and this may go against them as if Korea bags two Doubles points then it will be a wrap and Malaysia will not have a chance to field Hafiz Hashim who can
really tip the scale in their favour.
For the record, Malaysia won Thomas Cup title twenty years ago while Korea has never earned the honour to stand at the top of the podium.
Soon Kit, who was member of 1992 Thomas Cup winning team, stated that if Korea participates in this prestigious team event seriously then they have all the potential to seize the crown.
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