Lee Chong Wei has revealed that he will take to the courts as the first singles player against Russia in Malaysia’s opening Group D match in the Thomas Cup Finals in Impact Arena, Bangkok on Monday.
This is despite the fact that national men’s singles head coach Misbun Sidek not willing to reveal his match strategies against the bigger built Russians who have fired the first salvo that they can take on the Malaysians.
Defending champions Denmark and Malaysia are the favourites to advance to the knockout stage of the Finals. It is only left to be seen who will top the group and the outcome will be decided on Wednesday when the two cross paths in their final group match.
Malaysia faces the Russians followed by a match against Algeria – the African champions who are making their debut in the Thomas Cup Finals.
“This is an important match for us (against the Russians)…so I will certainly play the first singles and hope to give the team the first point,” said Chong Wei in a television interview.
Misbun, however, said that he will only decide on his players after consulting other coaches in the team in Bangkok.
Malaysia is chasing a 26-year dream to win the Thomas Cup. The last time the Malaysians laid their hands on the silverware was in Kuala Lumpur in 1992 and their initial target in Bangkok is the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Malaysia will also feature in the Uber Cup Finals in Group D on Monday and will face Indonesia in their opening match.
The other two teams in the group are defending champions and 14-time winners China and France.
The match against Indonesia is “very crucial” for Malaysia and doubles coach Rosman Razak believes the doubles matches could tilt the scoreline either way.
“It is most likely I will do some reshuffling and decide on the combinations that could bring the desired results against the Indonesians who have two strong doubles pair,” said Rosman in a television interview on Sunday.
Malaysia is without the injured Woon Khe Wei. However, her regular partner Vivian Hoo is in the team together with Chow Mei Kuan, Lee Meng Yean, Tee Jing Yi, Soong Fie Cho and Goh Yea Ching.
Indonesia has two formidable pairs in Greysia Polii-Apriyani Rahayu and della Destiara Haris-Rizki Amelia Pradipta.
Malaysia’s singles players are Soniia Cheah, Goh Jin Wei, Lee Ying Ying and S. Kisona. – BY RIZAL ABDULLAH
