PETALING JAYA: From player to coach, Rexy Mainaky has built a strong reputation in team events.
He will now have the chance to make his mark with Malaysia when the Thomas-Uber Cup Finals begin from April 24-May 3 in Horsens, Denmark.
“Team events have always been special to me,” said the national doubles coaching director in an interview with the Badminton World Federation.
Rexy has fond memories of competing in the 1992 Thomas Cup Finals with Ricky Subagja, although Indonesia eventually lost to Malaysia in the final.
The Indonesians fell short after losing the second doubles to Cheah Soon Kit-Soo Beng Kiang, which proved to be the decisive point for Malaysia.
“We did not want to meet Malaysia early, and I remember even playing in the singles against China as a way to avoid them (he lost 1-15, 4-15 to Liu Jun in the group stage). In those days, that was possible,” said Rexy.
Malaysia went on to face China and pulled off a sensational 3-2 win.
“But I came back in 1994 and won the Cup. I was the first in my family to hold the trophy... it was such a proud moment,” he added.
Indonesia went on to dominate, winning again in 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2002, before China took over with five consecutive titles.
Rexy later joined Malaysia as a coach in 2005 before moving on to stints in the Philippines in 2012 and Thailand in 2018.
During his time with Thailand, the women’s team made history by reaching the Uber Cup final for the first time on home soil.
“Nitchaon Jindapol was given the chance to play even though she had not won any matches before, but against China in the semi-finals, she delivered the winning point. She was in tears and grateful for the opportunity,” said Rexy.
“Sometimes, it is about trusting the players and giving them the chance to shine.
“Getting the singles and doubles players to work together also has its challenges, but in a team event, everyone usually comes together and I like that.”
Under the Indonesian, Malaysia won their first world title through Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik in 2022.
Can Rexy lead Malaysia to their first Thomas Cup title in 34 years?
