PETALING JAYA: It is a good headache for Herry Iman Pierngadi as he looks to naming the third men’s doubles pair for the Thomas Cup Finals.
With the player registration date for the Finals set for April 10, the national coaching team are still deciding whether to field former world No. 1 pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani or other doubles combination in the national squad.
Head coach Herry said the matter was still under discussion, and they were waiting for management to finalise the list for Horsens, Denmark, from April 24-May 3.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin were invited to strengthen the national squad because of their consistent podium finishes and past titles.
However, their form has dipped recently. After winning the Indonesian Masters in January, they were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the German Open, and later lost in the second round of the All-England.
Competition for Thomas Cup spots has intensified, with pairs like Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing making a mark by defeating some big names.
Herry said selection usually follows current world rankings. Sze Fei-Izzuddin are ranked No. 7, while Aaron-Khai Xing have moved up to No. 27.
Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King are also in contention, currently ranked No. 16.
Only Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun are confirmed for the Thomas Cup squad based on their ranking and recent form.
“Decisions on the final pair will be made by management.
“Usually, we follow the rankings. What’s certain for now is Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun are going. As for the third pair, whether it’s Sze Fei-Izzuddin or someone else, we haven’t decided yet.”
Malaysia are expected to field four men’s singles players and three men’s doubles pairs.
The national team are on a mission to end a 34-year title drought, having last won the Cup in 1992.
