Buoyant in Bangkok – Thomas Cup shuttlers ready to stand and deliver

All ears: The Thomas and Uber Cup players listening to a pep talk at a training session in Bangkok.

PETALING JAYA: National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky, going by the buoyant mood of his charges since arriving in Bangkok, has predicted that they will deliver the results for Malaysia in the Thomas Cup Finals.

Top pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik finished runners-up while Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani were the semi-finalists in the Asian Championships in Manila last week and Rexy believes the two pairs will play a vital role in Malaysia’s progress in Bangkok.

“The good feeling is back for the boys. All the players are in high spirits and have been enjoying their training sessions,” said Rexy.

“We have had good results on the circuit this year and they are ready to deliver the results. It will be a good competition for us.”

Sze Fei-Rumsani, ranked World No. 14, are having a fabulous run this year as they won the German Open and reached the final of the Swiss Open in March before losing to Aaron-Wooi Yik in the Asian Championships semis.

Wooi Yik’s performance has dropped slightly after testing positive for Covid-19 in March but a confident Aaron had provided cover whenever his partner had struggled in matches.

The Tokyo Olympics bronze medallists will lead the charge as Malaysia’s first doubles.

Independent pair Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi have not been having a great run this year but their experience of playing in previous team events for Malaysia is expected to come in handy if they are called upon to fill in for either pair.

Meanwhile, national singles coaching director Wong Choong Hann was also happy with the commitment shown by the singles players.

World No. 6 and newly crowned Asian champion Lee Zii Jia, independent player Liew Daren and Ng Tze Yong are the top three singles players together with Leong Jun Hao and Aidil Sholeh Sadikin.

“We had good training since arriving in Bangkok and today’s session was based on the official training schedule prepared by the hosts.

‘‘Tomorrow (today) will be our first training at the main hall (Impact Arena) for both Thomas and Uber Cup players,” said Choong Hann.

“We are expecting things to be smooth and have a good practice session at the main hall.”

Malaysia will begin their Thomas Cup campaign against England in Group D on May 9.