PETALING JAYA: Count on the doubles to deliver.
Former world champion Soh Wooi Yik has underlined Malaysia’s strength in the doubles department ahead of the Thomas Cup Finals in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24-May 3.
"Our doubles squad is strong. It’s the main strength of our team. From our side, we must do our job," said Wooi Yik in an interview with the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
Wooi Yik forms the world No. 2 partnership with Aaron Chia, while the other pairs are Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani.
Malaysia can field any two pairs and still stand a strong chance of winning, with all three combinations closely matched in quality.
The key, however, lies in getting the strategy right.
Wooi Yik pointed out that Malaysia’s run to the semi-finals last year was largely driven by the doubles.
They beat Japan 3-1 in the quarter-finals, with the winning point delivered by Sze Fei-Izzuddin. In the semi-finals, Malaysia fell 1-3 to China, with the only point coming from Aaron-Wooi Yik.
“In Chengdu, we won bronze because the doubles had a good run. We only lost two matches in the whole tournament,” he said.
The singles line-up features Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh, Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin and Lee Zii Jia.
Wooi Yik remains hopeful the singles can step up when it matters, stressing that mental strength will be crucial.
"The confidence side hasn’t been very good. But we have hope for the singles. It’s good to have Zii Jia in the team. That will make a difference."
Malaysia are in Group B with Japan, England and Finland, and are expected to reach the quarter-finals as one of the top two teams.
