Denmark real threat but Hong Kong may spoil it for M'sia in Thomas Cup

Up and down: Malaysia will be counting on Aaron Chia (right) and Soh Wooi Yik to be consistent as the top doubles pair in the team event. - AFP

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia have been drawn against Denmark, Hong Kong and Algeria in Group D in the Thomas Cup Finals from April 27-May 5 in Chengdu.

In the draw released on Friday (May 22), Malaysia were handed a tricky draw against second seeds Denmark and Hong Kong guided by former Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) singles coaching director Wong Choong Hann.

Denmark are set to be Malaysia's main challengers in the group as they boast the likes of world No. 1 Viktor Axelsen and No. 4 Anders Antonsen in the singles along with world No. 4 doubles pair Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen.

Hong Kong will also be no pushovers with the likes of Lee Cheuk Yiu and the experienced Angus Ng Ka Long capable of rising to the occasion.

Malaysia finished runners-up in the Asia Team Championships in Shah Alam last month to qualify on merit for the Thomas Cup while Denmark captured the European Team Championships.

Only the top two teams in each group will advance to the quarter-finals, where a fresh draw will be made for the knockout stage.

Meanwhile, in the Uber Cup Finals, Malaysia will face Thailand, Taiwan and Australia in Group B.

DRAW

Thomas Cup Finals

Group A: China, South Korea, Canada, Australia

Group B: Japan, Taiwan, Germany, Czech Republic

Group C: Indonesia, India, Thailand, England

Group D: Denmark, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Algeria

Uber Cup Finals

Group A: China, India, Canada, Singapore

Group B: Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia

Group C: Japan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Uganda

Group D: South Korea, Denmark, United States, Mexico