Kim Her confident to see his team in Thomas Cup quarter-finals – Badminton News
Men’s Doubles head coach of Malaysia, Tan Kim Her is positive about his team’s chances in the Thomas Cup finals and hoped they will easily earn a spot in the quarter-finals of the prestigious team event, starting from May 20 in Wuhan, China.
The Thomas Cup participants are divided into four different groups and Malaysia has been put in Group C with Denmark and South Africa.
Group A includes China, Indonesia and England while Group B comprises Japan, Russia and New Zealand with South Korea, Germany and United States contesting in Group D.
After receiving an easy draw, Malaysia stands fair chance to surge into round of eight and the coach Kim Her believes the national squad just has to beat South Africa to fall into the top eight teams of the event.
He said, "All we need to do is beat South Africa and confirm our place in the last eight. However, beating Denmark will boost the confidence of the players as the European champions have got a strong team."
However, Malaysia will not enjoy the same status in following stages as May 17 rankings will be used to seed the participants in the knockout round.
Doubles chief coach Kim Her is a bit cautious as he warned that anything can happen in the knockout stages. He hoped his team will utilise the confidence of opening rounds to avoid pressure in the final stages.
He said, "Playing in a team event is totally different and anything can happen. We have to clear the first hurdle and we have no pressure in the knockout stage. It will help our cause."
The badminton guru Kim Her also thinks that it will not be a smooth ride for the Malaysians throughout their marathon as they may have to face China in the quarter-finals. He advised his players to get ready for Armageddon.
He said, "There is still a chance to for us to meet China in the quarter-finals and we have to be prepared for that possibility."
Malaysia will bank on Lee Chong Wei, Daren Liew and Hafiz Hashim in Men’s Singles category while Goh V. Shem-Lim Khim Wah and Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong will represent the country in Doubles event of the Thomas Cup finals.
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