Malaysia’s chances are quite scanty to qualify for Uber Cup Finals – Badminton news
Malaysia’s chances to find a berth in the Uber Cup Finals have become quite scanty as Malaysia’s female squad failed to deliver against Thailand and lost the quarter-final match with a 3-0 margin at the Uber Cup preliminary Round on Thursday, February 16,
in Macau.
Rexy Mainaky, the head coach of Doubles in Malaysia, said that all shuttlers in the squad need to deliver their hundred percent in the upcoming matches in order to stand a chance for making the cut.
However, it is going to be an uphill task for Malaysian ladies as they will be up against Singapore, Indonesia and Hong Kong in the playoff.
All these three countries have stronger squads indicating that it will not be easy for Malaysians to win any of these nations.
While talking about yesterday’s quarter-final clash of Malaysia with Thailand, the coach said that it was a favourable playing format for the Thai shuttlers as they got a chance to field their three Women’s Singles shuttlers in the opening three fights.
On the other hand, Malaysia without having much depth in the squad was banking only on Women’s Doubles players who seem better compared to Singles shuttlers.
However, Malaysia’s pairs could not get a chance of playing against Thai opponents because Malaysian ladies lost the first three fights.
Rexy said, "The players were already down when they knew that three singles would be played first. Thailand's strength is in the singles and they took full advantage of the format and it is a pity the doubles were unable to do anything."
He added, "If the doubles had played, we could have taken it to 2-2 and anything could have happened from there. Li Lian would have given a better fight but a new battle starts now. We have a slim chance and must win all the matches to fight for the last
place in the Uber Cup.”
Now, Malaysia will face Indonesia, Hong Kong and Singapore in the playoff and all these opponents are stronger on the paper.
The coach said that to win against this strong opposition, Malaysian ladies have to play to their maximum potential in all upcoming matches.
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