Malaysia finds a tough draw in the Thomas Cup Qualifying Round – Badminton news
Malaysia’s chances to reach into the top-four positions seem scanty as the country has been handed over with a tough draw in the Thomas Cup Qualifying Round. The event will start in Macau from February 13.
In qualifying round draws, Malaysia has been placed in the same half where South Korea will also start its campaign. It will be a challenging situation for the Malaysian team to overcome Korean players as the latter are visibly stronger on paper.
In order to find a place in the Thomas Cup Finals, Malaysia needs to finish in the top four positions in the qualifying round.
Malaysia is expected to overcome Hong Kong without any problem. However, if Malaysian shuttlers defeat South Korea, they will have an easy match at the quarter-final stage.
Korean shuttlers have a clear edge over Malaysians in Men’s Doubles category as Lee Yong Dae-Jung Jae Sung and Yoo Yeon Seong-Ko Sung Hyun have been defeating Tan Boon Heong-Koo Kien Keat and Lim Khim Wah-Goh V Shem on numerous occasions for the last two years.
The World Number One, Lee Chong Wei is the only shuttler in Malaysian team who has an edge over Koreans in Men’s Singles category. However, in the second and third Singles, Korean shuttlers seem stronger on paper.
Rashid Sidek, the Men’s Singles national coach, said that Korea is stronger on paper but the Malaysians have a chance to win the battle against Indonesia at the top-8 stage.
However, he also said that if Malaysian shuttlers remain successful against the Koreans, they will have an easy fight in quarter-final.
The coach said, "On paper, South Korea are very strong and this due to their strength in the doubles. Both pairs have beaten our pairs regularly and will be confident while it is impossible to win three singles against them.”
He further added, “It will be good if we can beat South Korea as we will have an easier quarter-final clash but we cannot lose hope if we lose. Indonesia can be beaten as their players are not consistent and we have a chance there.”
Malaysian shuttlers have started to work in the centralised training camp which will help them to become well prepared for the championship.
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