PETALING JAYA: This year’s battle among the singles players looks wide open, with only China’s Shi Yuqi standing slightly above the rest.
Malaysia’s coach Daren Liew foresees unpredictable outcomes in the singles match-ups.
At first singles, world No. 1 and reigning Asian champion Shi Yuqi stands tall, while the rest have shown inconsistency.
Indonesia will bank on Jonatan Christie; Thailand on Kunlavut Vitidsarn; Denmark on Anders Antonsen; France on Christo Popov; Taiwan on Chou Tien-chen; while Japan and Malaysia will look to Kodai Naraoka and Leong Jun Hao respectively to deliver.
Only South Korea will field world No. 66 Yoo Tae-bin instead of their top player Jeon Hyeok-jin in the first singles.
The other notable absentee is Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen, who has retired due to injury problems.
“If you look at all the top singles players, Yuqi is a class above. He has the experience to lead China,” said Daren.
“South Korea may field Tae-bin, but I would consider him an underdog. He is an up-and-coming player and has upset several top-ranked opponents.
“It’s a little hard to predict the Koreans, but we just have to be prepared as it’s never easy to play against them.”
The return of Anthony Ginting to beef up Indonesia's challenge has also spiced up the competition as he is expected to play at the third singles.
"Anthony is a familiar face but I think, the young player above him Moh (Zaki Ubaidillah) is equally dangerous."
On Lee Zii Jia’s progress, Daren was all smiles.
“It has been really good for Zii Jia here, he is making good progress,” said Daren.
“He has been improving day by day.”
Zii Jia, who played as the first singles in the last edition in 2024, will feature in the third singles this time.
