Coach Rashid Sidek says the Malaysian team should not underestimate Russian players in Sudirman Cup
Malaysia’s national coach for Men’s Singles, Rashid Sidek says that the Malaysian Team should not underestimate Russian players in their first match of 2011 Sudirman Cup. The match between Malaysia and Russia will be held on Monday, May 23.
Rashid said that the Europeans have improved a lot as compared to the condition of few years ago. That is why the Malaysians have to play at their best to find a victory over the Russians.
While talking about the comparison between Malaysian and Russian teams, Rashid said, "People say we should easily make the quarter-finals but I'm not taking anything for granted. The Russians are getting stronger and their women are better than ours at the
moment."
While talking about the Malaysian females shuttlers, Rashid Said, "Our women's team are in the rebuilding process, so the pressure is very much on the men to deliver the points.”
The coach said that Lee Chong Wei in Men’s Singles and Tan Boon Heong – Koo Kien Keat in Doubles, will be playing under pressure as they have bigger responsibility to deliver better performance and win their all matches to assist their team in getting better
position.
"Chong Wei and Kien Keat-Boon Heong will have added pressure to win all their matches but it's good as it will make them even stronger," Rashid added.
Malaysia, Russia and Indonesia are placed in Group B, and the Malaysia team needs victory over Russia to qualify for the quarter-final.
Chong Wei and Kien Keat and Boon Heong are the strong shuttlers from Malaysia who are expected to earn two points for their team in every match.
The second match of Malaysia will be against Indonesia, which will be played on May 25. Rashid said that despite the that the top shuttlers of Indonesia including, Taufik Hidayat, Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan and Lilyana Natsir, will not compete in the
event, still the Indonesian team will be very strong.
The stage is ready for the biggest mixed team event in Qingdao, China. In the opening match of Group B, Indonesia will play against Russia on Sunday, May 22.
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