Hafiz Hashim thinks home crowd and ground may work against China in Thomas Cup Finals 2012
Malaysia’s veteran shuttler Hafiz Hashim believes only time will decide the champion in Thomas Cup Finals 2012 as he stated that the hot favourite China may fail to lift heavy burden of expectations.
China, who is respected as powerhouse of badminton, has bagged eight titles with four consecutive titles in period of 2004-2010.
However, it has a strange history of failing as host of this most prestigious team event in the world. They are hosting Thomas Cup after a decade as last time it was staged in Guangzhou back in 2002 when Chinese shuttlers disappointed their nation.
They failed to rise against Malaysia in semi-finals and veteran shuttler Hafiz Hashim still cherishes those memories when they spoiled the party of the hosting nation.
He said, “I was in the team when China lost at home. The stadium was filled to the brim but they could not meet the nation’s expectations.”
This year Malaysia has been placed at sixth position in this tournament and they do not enjoy the status of hot favourites.
Though, World Number 27 shuttler admitted that China has the strongest squad in this tournament but he also added that stigma of 2002 may haunt them in ongoing edition of Thomas Cup Finals.
Hafiz hoped it will create huge pressure on them which ultimately will relieve some burden from other contenders’ shoulders.
He said, “They may go through the same fear although China boasts of the best line-up in the Finals. This should give the other teams a slight advantage.”
Meanwhile, the veteran Malaysian showed complete faith in his compatriots as he declared that the national squad contains more strength than past and only time will tell who deserves the honour.
Hafiz said, “I think overall our team look stronger compared to the one we had two years ago. I guess that is the interesting part about Thomas Cup Finals. Anything can happen. Even the weaker teams can survive the odds.”
Only two countries, Malaysia and Indonesia have secured the honour as hosting countries. Both countries also have a splendid history of victory as Malaysia raised the trophy in five editions while the Indonesia has seized the crown a record thirteen times.
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