Li Yongbo hopes China to prevail South Korea in Thomas Cup Finals – Badminton News
China has never won Thomas Cup on home soil but national head coach Li Yongbo believes that this year they will not disappoint home fans when they meet South Korea in title match on May 27, 2012.
Final match is expected to be clash of the titans as both countries carry world class shuttlers in their squads.
Korean side comprises Lee Hyun-il, Shon Wan-ho, Hong Ji Hoon, as Singles campaigners while Lee Yong Dae-Jung Jae Sung, Ko Sung Hyun-Yoo Yeon Seong, Kim Ki Jung-Kim Sa Rang will represent country in Men’s Doubles event.
On the other hand, Chinese line-up includes Singles maestros Lin Dan, Chen Long and Chen Jin along with top pairs Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng and Chai Biao-Guo Zhendong.
The badminton guru Lin Yongbo admitted that Korea has nice blend of passion and experience in their squad but he is confident that local shuttlers will enter in court with full preparation.
He said, “South Korea have quite a number of young players and they will not be short of fighting spirit. We will be ready for a good challenge.”
Korea will expect second Singles campaigner Shon Wan Ho to provide the momentum. The India Open champion is scheduled to meet World Number three shuttler Chen Long.
However, victory depends on how well their Men’s Doubles teams tackle world class Chinese pairs in the final stages.
Though, Lin Yongbo tagged veteran Korean Lee Hyun Il as a potential contender but still he thinks that it will be an uphill task for him to surpass “Super” Dan in first singles tie.
He said, “Lee (Hyun-il) retired after the 2008 Olympic Games and made a return at the last Thomas Cup Finals in 2010. He has been playing well and even defeated Peter. But I can’t see Lin Dan losing to him.”
The World Number two Lin Dan is also geared up to escort his country to glory as he vowed to give home fans reason to celebrate.
He said, “We do not want to disappoint our home fans. I am ready to give them a treat.”
China has already bagged the crown in Uber Cup Finals and if Men’s squad also manages to kiss the trophy then it will be seventh time when they secured the honour in same year.
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