Rashid Sidek says Malaysia needs two points in Men’s Singles to win against South Korea
Malaysia’s Men’s Singles national coach, Rashid Sidek said that Malaysian shuttlers need to show their spirit and win two points in Men’s Singles fights against South Korea and secure top position in Group D of the Thomas Cup Preliminary Round.
However, the coach has a big concern over the shaky play of Muhammad Hafiz Hashim, who lost his fight against Hong Kong’s Hu Yun yesterday. Despite the Singles match loss, Malaysia managed to win against Hong Kong with a margin of 3-2.
Today, Malaysia will be up against South Korea and the coach wants Hafiz to use his experience and earn a crucial point by winning against Korean opponent in the second Men’s Singles fight.
The World Number 33 Hafiz could not play top class badminton against Yun of Hong Kong in yesterday’s match. However, according to the coach, he can rise to the occasion if he plays to his maximum potential.
In the third Men’s Singles fight, the World Number 52 Mohamad Arif Abdul Latif and the World Number 45 Daren Liew have equal chance to win the battle.
"We have to take two points from the singles as it will be hard for the doubles to win both their matches. It will be a boost if the doubles can deliver one point. If Hafiz is fired-up and willing to fight till the end, he has the chance to beat Wan Ho while Daren or Arif has an equal chance of beating Hong Ji Hoon in the third singles."
Rashid wants the World Number One, Lee Chong Wei, to win his opening battle. However, he also knows that Koreans are stronger in Men’s Doubles category and it will be challenging for Malaysian pairs to win against them.
That is why; Rashid wants Men’s Singles players to earn at least two points which will enhance the chances of Malaysia to win the match.
The coach said, "Lee Chong Wei should give us the first point but we need one more and I hope the players will forget about the Hong Kong match and rise to the occasion."
Malaysia and Korea will lock horns today and it is a tough fight on paper as both teams have experienced squads.
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