PETALING JAYA: Malaysia may be up against he odds against South Korea but former international Woon Khe Wei insists it is too early to wave the white flag.
Khe Wei urged the team to fight to the end as Malaysia, led by K. Letshanaa, take on the two-time runners-up in today’s Asia Team Championships semi-finals in Qingdao, China.
There is a stark contrast in the line-ups, with South Korea fielding their full elite squad while Malaysia are relying on a back-up team.
“I think the most important thing is for the players to show a high fighting spirit because everyone knows the Korean players are among the world’s elite,” said Khe Wei.
“But if they give 100% on court, everyone will be satisfied.”
Singles shuttlers Letshanaa, Wong Ling Ching and Oo Shan Zi are looking to regain their rhythm after a below-par showing against China in the group stage on Wednesday when they face world No. 1 An Se-young, world No. 17 Kim Ga-eun, as well as Park Ga-eun and Kim Min-ji.
South Korea’s women’s doubles strength is equally formidable, led by world No. 3 pair Lee Soo-hee-Baek Ha-na and world No. 5 duo Kim Hye-jong-Kong Hye-yong.
Khe Wei challenges the team to steal a point from the Koreans.
“If the young Noraqilah (Maisara Ramdan)-(Low) Zi Yu pairing are fielded, I feel they could put up a strong fight,” said Khe Wei.
“The very least they should use the opportunity of facing top players as valuable experience to help them improve in the future.”
Noraqilah-Zi Yu did well to steal a point against China in the group stage.
Apart from securing at least a bronze medal, teams that advance to the semi-finals will also qualify on merit for the Uber Cup Finals from April 24-May 3 in Horsens, Denmark.
The women’s team had reached the semi-finals in two consecutive editions, in Manila in 2020 and Shah Alam in 2022, but failed to maintain that momentum in the following edition two years later, also held in Shah Alam.
