Every shuttler plays integral part in the team for Finals

Steady progress: Goh Sze Fei (front) and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani have moved up two rungs to 14th in the world.

IT will not be a one-man show in the Thomas Cup Finals.

The focus may be on shuttlers Lee Zii Jia and Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik to deliver the goods but the others are equally fired up to do their part as the premier world team event starts today at the Impact Arena.

Malaysia are looking to end their 30-year wait for the Cup.

They have reached the final four times since winning the Thomas Cup in 1992 but fell short in 1994 (Jakarta), 1998 (Hong Kong), 2002 (Guangzhou) and 2014 (New Delhi).

Doubles shuttlers Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, wiser from last year’s experience, know they have a role to play.

“Din and I, if fielded, will fight for every point ... that’s our commitment,” said Sze Fei, who won the German Open with Izzuddin in March.

Although ranked lower than world No. 11 Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, the chances are that Malaysia may field Sze Fei-Izzuddin, who have moved up two rungs to 14th in the world.

“We know the huge challenge and responsibility. Teams like Indonesia and Japan are strong but we don’t fear them. There are chances and it’s in our hands to deliver.’’

In the singles, Liew Daren, Ng Tze Yong, Leong Jun Hao and Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin are ready to hit the ground running.

Said Jun Hao: “I may have the experience of playing in the Thomas Cup but I would be lying if I said there was no pressure. The adrenaline rush and anxiety will always be there but it’s up to us to deal with it.

“Aidil and I may be called up to play in the third singles ... it could decide the fate of the team. We will be ready. Even if we are not listed, we will be there to support the team.”

The 21-year-old Tze Yong is ready to step up after an inspiring performance that saw him almost beating Jonatan Christie in a quarter-final tie against Indonesia last year, which Malaysia eventually lost 0-3.

“Last year, I was there to gain experience but this year, I want to deliver a point. Whether the coaches want me to play second or third singles, I’m ready.”

Playing in the Finals after eight years, the 35-year-old Daren said: “I still feel the excitement. I’m definitely more experienced and calmer. I don’t fear anyone, even the promising young players.”

Doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky pointed out that every single man in the team was important.

“I expect nothing but only for them to fight until the end, and of course deliver the point,” he said.

The men’s team will play England in their opening group match tomorrow while the women, led by top singles shuttler S. Kisona, face Denmark in their first Group C tie today.

THE DRAW

THOMAS CUP FINALS

Group A: Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore.

Group B: Denmark, China, France, Algeria.

Group C: Taiwan, India, Germany, Canada.

Group D: Japan, Malaysia, England, New Zealand.

UBER CUP FINALS

Group A: Japan, Indonesia, France, Germany.

Group B: China, Taiwan, Spain, Australia.

Group C: Thailand, Denmark, Malaysia, Egypt.

Group D: South Korea, India, Canada, United States.