Thomas Cup Finals: Morten Frost plays down Danish Singles campaigners against Malaysia
Former coach of Denmark Morten Frost Hansen thinks national Singles shuttlers stand low chances against Malaysia in Thomas Cup Finals and said that they will have to put an extra effort in the group stage match on May 22, 2012.
The Danish squad comprises World Number five Peter Hoeg Gade, Hans Kristian Vittinghus, Jan O Jorgensen and Viktor Axelsen as Men’s Singles campaigners.
Denmark has been placed in Group C with Malaysia and South Africa and they have a sure spot in the quarter-finals as top two teams of group will march into elimination round.
Both countries will strive hard to outclass the opponent in group stage to avoid hot favourites in the round of eight.
However, the Danish badminton legend Morten Frost believes that the national squad does not have enough strength to corner the Malaysian challengers and they can raise their hands as champions only if they win the second and third singles encounter.
The maestro Peter Gade will open the marathon against Lee Chong Wei and Morten Frost stated that the Dane will kneel down against the badminton king as he is struggling to revive his old form.
He said, “Peter will lose as he can’t match Chong Wei’s blistering pace. His recent poor form will also affect his confidence.”
World Number 13 Jan O Jorgensen will be second Men’s Singles campaigner and he will meet lower ranked Malaysian shuttler Daren Liew.
Former All-England Champion Frost hoped that Jan will provide the breakthrough as his opponent is not in prime touch.
He said, “Jan should win as I’m not sure how stable Daren is based on his performances over the last 12 months. But Jan can get rattled if things don’t go his way.”
The Danish shuttler Jan O Jorgensen has proved his mettle against World Champion Lin Dan in Malaysia Open 2012 and he will be looking to repeat the history also in this prestigious team event.
Former coach Frost thinks that Denmark should field Hans Vittinghus in third tie as Malaysia will bank on veteran player Hafiz Hashim and sending an inexperienced player like Viktor may go against them.
He said, “I don’t think Denmark dares to play Viktor although he is most likely the coolest under pressure.”
Meanwhile, the Men’s Doubles event will see top Danish couples like Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen and Jonas Rasmussen-Mads Conrad Petersen trying to raise country’s flag in Thomas Cup Finals.
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