Malaysia's team manager Rashid Sidek (left) shakes the hands of his Thailand and Indonesia counterparts, Udom Luangphecharaporn (centre) and Aryono Miranat during the Axiata Cup semifinal draw at Dua Sentral Hotel on Friday.- M. Azhar Arif/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The stage is set for the clash of champions.
Defending champions Malaysia will face inaugural winners Indonesia in the semi-finals of the US$1mil (RM3.45mil) Axiata Cup at the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Stadium in Cheras today.
The other semi-final pits Thailand against Asia All Stars.
It will be a tall order for Malaysia, who are without talismanic world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei, to beat arch-rivals Indonesia – given the manner they capitulated to a shocking 4-0 defeat in the group stage in Jakarta.
Even with homeground advantage this time, national men’s singles coach Rashid Sidek, who took over the team manager’s role from Pang Cheh Chang, was quick to point out that Malaysia will head into the last four as the underdogs.
“We were hoping for a favourable draw ... which was to be pitted against Asia All Stars,” said Rashid after the draw ceremony at a hotel here yesterday.
“Playing at home doesn’t not mean it’ll favour us because Indonesia are very strong. They have such a well-balanced team, with quality shuttlers in every department. They have won 24 points from a maximum 28 – including the 4-0 win against us ... and that’s a clear indicator.
“Yes, it seems difficult on paper but we’re not going to surrender without a fight. I want all the players to give their best tomorrow (today).
“The first point from the opening men’s singles tie will be very crucial for us. We’ll need (Chong) Wei Feng, or (Liew) Daren, to give us a head start. We’re counting on the men’s singles and men’s doubles to deliver.
“This is how a team event works.
“Whoever takes the court first must try to win and boost his team-mates’ confidence. It’s really all up to the players actually. I believe even (Tee) Jing Yi, if she plays to her best, could win us a point from the women’s singles.”
But there’s good news for Malaysia. The Indonesians have travelled to Kuala Lumpur minus several key players.
Indonesia team manager Aryono Miranat revealed that the team will be without Myanmar SEA Games silver medallist Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka, men’s doubles pair Muhammad Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan and world No. 4 mixed doubles pair Tontowi Ahmad-Liliyana Natsir.
The two doubles pairs were in Bangkok for yesterday’s Badminton Thai Glory to the King – an exhibition match held in conjunction with King Bhumibol’s birthday.
Without them, Aryono knows it’ll be difficult to beat Malaysia, more so when they’ll be playing in front of their home fans.
“I would say it’s 50-50. We can’t take Malaysia lightly, particularly with them playing at home,” said Aryono.
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