PETALING JAYA: The opening-round clash between Justin Hoh and Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan at the Asian Championships could offer an early glimpse of what to expect at the Thomas Cup Finals.
Both players are set to feature as their nations’ second singles in the Finals from April 24-May 3 in Ningbo, China.
Although Malaysia and Indonesia are drawn in different groups, they could cross paths as early as the quarter-finals, depending on the draw.
In the Asian meet starting next Tuesday, the 22-year-old Justin will go in as the underdog despite Alwi being two years younger.
Justin has lost to Alwi twice last year – in the semi-finals of the Thailand SEA Games and the Macau Open final.
While former world junior champion Alwi has developed into a fast-attacking player and is currently ranked No. 14 in the world, Justin is still searching for consistency.
Ranked No. 40, Justin has exited in the early rounds of every tournament since his defeat to Alwi in the Macau Open final last year.
The Indonesian, however, remains cautious.
Despite leading their head-to-head 5-2, Alwi expects another tough battle.
“I’ve played against him quite regularly since our junior days,” said Alwi, as reported by Tribunnews.
“The matches are often close and never easy against Justin. But this is a new tournament, a new battle.
“Although I have a good record, I still need to be well prepared.”
Buoyed by his run to the quarter-finals of the All-England last month, Alwi is targeting a podium finish at the Asian meet.
“It was a dream come true to play in my first All-England. Next time, I want to win it. After that performance, I’m aiming for my first Asian medal,” he added.
The winner of the match is likely to face Japan’s Kodai Naraoka, who is drawn against a qualifier.
The other Malaysians in the fray is Leong Jun Hao, who will face Jonatan Christie of Indonesia in the first round.
THOMAS CUP DRAW
Group A: China, India, Canada, Australia.
Group B: Japan, Malaysia, England, Finland.
Group C: Taiwan, Denmark, South Korea, Sweden
Group D: Indonesia, France, Thailand, Algeria.
