PETALING JAYA: Returning to where it all began for Kenneth Jonassen could provide Malaysian shuttlers with the perfect boost ahead of the Thomas Cup Finals.
The players, both men and women, will spend 10 days training in Herning, Denmark – Jonassen’s hometown – before heading to Horsens for the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals from April 24-May 3.
The serene setting, free from distractions, is expected to help the players get into the right frame of mind ahead of the intense battles, especially for the Thomas Cup team.
“Our plan is to train with limited distractions, and this place serves that purpose well as it is very down-to-earth and laid-back,” said the national singles coaching director.
“The goal is to prepare with the right mindset and level of resilience – these are the two key components.”
Jonassen’s badminton journey both started and ended in Herning, a town known for its peace and tranquillity.
“Herning is my hometown and it’s about an hour away from Horsens, where the Thomas-Uber Cup will be held,” he said.
“The training won’t be at the same venue where I first started playing as that hall is sadly no longer there.
“However, we will be based at a very modern facility with more than eight halls and a gym. We will also be using the exhibition hall where I spent my final years representing my hometown club.
“My love for badminton started there and has never stopped growing since.”
Now 51, Jonassen remains deeply passionate about the sport and is doing all he can to forge unity among the Malaysians in their pursuit of Cup success.
He brings vast experience, having represented Denmark as a player and a coach in several Thomas Cup campaigns.
He was part of the Danish team that reached the final in 2004, losing 1-3 to China in Jakarta. In the semi-finals, Jonassen went down to Indonesia’s Taufik Hidayat in the second singles, but Denmark still edged the tie 3-2.
In 2006 Japan, Jonassen beat Malaysia’s Mohd Hafiz Hashim in the second singles as Denmark overcame Malaysia 3-2 in the semi-finals before falling 0-3 to China in the final.
A decade later, Jonassen guided Denmark to their historic first Thomas Cup title in 2016, beating Indonesia 3-2 in the final in Kunshan, China, after once again getting past Malaysia 3-2 in the semi-finals.
Having experienced the highs and lows of the competition, Jonassen stressed that team events bring a unique challenge.
“Team events are very different as you play for the team score. Even the most experienced players react differently in such situations,” he said.
“There are many aspects that need to be addressed and considered. Finding three wins in each tie is what it’s all about – nothing more, nothing less. It doesn’t matter how or who delivers them.
“To succeed, every player must be ready to play their part.”
“There are so many memories – some very good, others tough and humbling, but that is the essence of this world team event.
“We must overcome, learn, stay humble, committed and focused, and believe that we can achieve our goals.”
Malaysia have yet to name their final squad, but based on rankings, the leading candidates include Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh, Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin and Lee Zii Jia in singles, while Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King are among the top doubles options.
