PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s bid to end their 34-year Thomas Cup drought has received a timely boost in the form of a more favourable match schedule.
At the Finals in Horsens, Denmark, Malaysia will open their Group B campaign against England on April 25, followed by Finland on April 27, before wrapping up the group stage against Japan on April 29.
Unlike the previous edition in Chengdu, China, where Malaysia were forced into back-to-back ties against Hong Kong and Algeria before a decisive clash with Denmark, this year’s schedule offers valuable time for recovery and tactical reassessment with a one-day gap between matches.
For Lee Zii Jia’s (pic) personal coach Liew Daren, the improved fixture list comes at the right time, with his player only recently returning to full fitness.
The Olympic bronze medallist had his preparations disrupted, delaying his return to national training before finally rejoining the squad on April 8.
“I think because the first match is against England and after that is Finland, it shouldn’t be too tough, especially for the third singles,” said Daren.
With a less demanding schedule, Daren hopes Zii Jia will feature in the opening two matches against England and Finland, allowing him to rebuild his confidence and regain his tournament rhythm ahead of the final group tie against Japan.
However, Daren said the decision would depend on discussions with national singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen and head coach Datuk Tey Seu Bock, as it ultimately comes down to team strategy on match day.
“If possible, I want him to play because he hasn’t had many tournaments.
“I want him to regain that tournament feeling. But it also depends on the other coaches, so we will discuss it,” he added.
Zii Jia, together with 39 other national players, left for Herning, Denmark, early this morning to undergo an eight-day centralised training camp ahead of the tournament in Horsens, along with the Uber Cup squad.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) are hopeful of ending their Thomas Cup drought this year, having last won the title in Kuala Lumpur in 1992.
