Malaysian shuttlers to start their campaign against South Africa at Thomas Cup Finals 2012
Malaysian players will start their campaign against the weaker line-up of South Africa in today’s Group C match of Thomas Cup Finals 2012, which is in progress at Wuhan, China.
Malaysia will field the top players in this first team-event contest against South Africa in order to get familiar with the condition of court at the Wuhan Sports Gymnasium Centre.
There are only four shuttlers in South African squad who will face the top shuttlers of Malaysia.
The Men’s Singles World Number One Lee Chong Wei will play the opening fight in the match and is expected to take on Jacob Malieka of South Africa.
Besides Chong Wei, Muhammad Hafiz Hashim and Liew Daren will play in Men’s Singles fights whereas the World Number 8 Koo Kien Keat – Tan Boon Heong and Lim Khim Wah – Goh V Shem will participate in Men’s Doubles.
While talking about the match against South Africa, the national coach of Malaysia Rashid Sidek said that it will be good practice for the Malaysian shuttlers considering that they will be facing weak opposition.
He also said that the opening match will serve as a test for the elite shuttler Daren who needs to deliver his best while playing with confidence.
He said, “The matches against South Africa will be easy but for us, it is a time to get adjusted to the tournament environment and mentally be ready for the tie against Denmark.”
He further added, "Daren is a reserved person by nature but on court, I want him to let loose and open up his game. He should play confidently although his opponent is weaker.”
While talking about their next match against Denmark, the national Doubles coach Tan Kim Her said that it will be challenging task for Men’s Doubles shuttlers to overcome Danish players.
He said, “The doubles players will come under severe tests against Denmark (tomorrow) and they must be mentally ready to fend off the expected strong assault.”
Malaysian shuttlers are placed in Group C and they have to win all of their matches in order to remain at the top and avoid playing against the top seed China before semi-final stage.
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