Judging from the opening match against India, it is fair to say that Malaysia’s Thomas Cup campaign may be over sooner rather than later. Even a place in the last eight doesn’t look secure despite a 4-1 win over the host nation last night. Datuk Lee Chong Wei may have no problem providing us with a point from the first single but the others will have an uphill task when they are up against the Germans and Koreans next. Still, anything can happen in sport. Let’s hope our shuttlers can re-visit the ‘spirit of 92’ and prove me wrong this time. I’m happy to eat my words if only to see us bring the much coveted Thomas Cup back to Malaysia.
The second single and double will be crucial if we are to progress to the later stage of the competition. I have many times in the past said that Chong Wei Feng is a quality player. His winning percentage however does not justify his talent. Very often than not, Wei Feng has let himself down, especially in a big match. I hope he can deliver this time. He is good enough to beat not just the German and Korean second single but the Chinese, Indonesia and Denmark as well. If only he realise his true potential and put more positive attitude to his game.
I’m not impressed with our second double, Tan Wee Kiong-Goh V Shem last night. But second double is where we can snatch a point as most teams have a very good first double. I think our coaches are trying to keep the other team guessing since our first double for last night is also a scratch pair. I think the experienced Tan Boon Heong might end up playing in second double against the stronger team. I fancy him partnering Tan Wee Kiong as Tan look solid in front of the net. Combined with Boon Heong’s powerful smashes from the baseline, they can become a very good partnership.
If it goes down to the wire, i.e the third single, then our chance is almost as good as over. No disrespect to team captain and third single player, Liew Darren but it doesn’t look like he's going to win a single match at all for Malaysia. He may be a good player and much better option than Goh Soon Huat for that role but he is simply NOT FIT. As R.M.V. Gurusaidutt found out last night, Liew Darren does not prefer to play rally. He simply doesn’t trust his body to do that. All his opponent needs to do is return the shuttlecock to him and wait for him to make mistake.
Again, I hope I’m wrong. I really like us to go as far as possible and perhaps complete the mission impossible of winning the Thomas Cup. We shall get a clearer picture tomorrow when the team play against the Germans. Come on Malaysia! Malaysia Boleh!
- Brader Sports
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