Lee Chong Wei hopes to win with an under strength Thomas Cup squad – Badminton News
Malaysia has been ranked low in Thomas Cup Finals but the badminton king Lee Chong Wei is confident to make best out of esteemed team event, starting from May 20 in Wuhan, China.
World Number one shuttler Chong Wei admits that the national squad stands bit low as compare to other contestants but at the same time he also believes that this will not stop them from rising on the occasion.
Chong Wei set a high target in Thomas Cup and vowed to reach at least in the semi-finals by using valuable past experience.
He said, “Our team could be better but we have qualified for the Finals and must give it our best. The target is to reach the semi-finals and we aim to achieve that or better.”
According to Thomas Cup draw, Malaysia will be in Group C with Denmark and South Africa which means an easy ride for the national campaigners to quarter-final round at least.
However, they will have to surpass top ranked teams like China, Korea and Indonesia to cement their spot in final rounds of the event.
Thomas Cup will be held under team event format which means only cumulative performance can make difference that is why Malaysia has not really commendable track record in this tournament.
Though, Men’s Singles department is filled with stars like Chong Wei, Daren Liew and Hafiz Hashim but Doubles department does not have that much strength which really puts country’s prospects in danger.
The maestro thinks a team effort is always needed to hit the mark in such events and national squad lacks that bond.
Chong Wei said, “What’s most important is team spirit, which we are lacking a little at the moment because the singles players and the doubles players have different training schedules.”
However, national body has already announced a joint training camp in Dongguan, China for Thomas Cup squad and Men’s Singles skipper Chong Wei hopes this will transform them into a strong team.
Meanwhile, Malaysia will be banking on top pairs Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah in Men’s Doubles department.
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