A quiet Cup threat
PETALING JAYA: Write off South Korea at your own peril, especially with mastermind Park Joo-bong (pic) back at the helm.
Despite naming what appears to be a weakened squad for this year’s Thomas Cup Finals, the Koreans remain a dangerous outfit under the legendary coach, who returns to guide his home nation after a long stint in Japan.
South Korea have been cast as underdogs for the Finals starting in Horsens on Friday, where they are drawn in a tricky Group C alongside hosts Denmark, Taiwan and Sweden.
Their singles line-up lacks experience, with world No. 66 Yoo Tae-bin, 22, leading the charge.
He is supported by Choi Ji-hoon (No. 85), Park Sang-yong (No. 90) and Cho Hyeon-woo (No. 173).
However, their strength lies firmly in doubles.
World champions and world No. 1 pair Kim Won-ho–Seo Seung-jae spearhead a formidable department, with support from Jin Yong–Ki Dong-ju and either Song Hyun-cho or Lee Jong-min.
Ki Dong-ju, formerly ranked No. 15 with Kang Min-hyuk, is known for his adaptability.
Former Malaysian Thomas Cupper Kwan Yoke Meng believes it would be a mistake to underestimate the Koreans.
“They are underdogs for sure, and with Joo-bong behind them, we cannot take them lightly,” said Yoke Meng, a member of Malaysia’s 1992 winning team.
“They will aim to take both doubles points and try to nick one from the singles.
“I remember in 1992, they had a similar approach. Park and Kim Dong-moon were very strong in doubles, and they always went into ties looking to steal a point from the singles.”
Yoke Meng noted that while South Korea’s singles players are relatively unknown, they have been gaining experience in lower-tier tournaments.
Malaysia could only meet South Korea in the knockout stage, provided both teams reach the quarter-finals, where a fresh draw will be conducted.
“Like them, we are also underdogs,” added Yoke Meng.
“We rarely meet them in the knockout rounds, but this time, I think, we have a better chance.
“If our singles players perform to their true level, we should be able to hold our own.
“Seung-jae is exceptional in doubles. Their second pair could be a scratch combination, so that match could go either way.
“But our doubles have proven themselves, and I expect a strong fight.”
South Korea have never won the Thomas Cup, although they came close in 2012 before losing to China in the final.
Japan claimed their maiden Thomas Cup in 2018 under Joo-bong – can he now deliver the same success for his home country?
