PETALING JAYA: Expect singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia to make a grand entrance when Malaysia face England in the opening Group B tie of the Thomas Cup Finals in Horsens today.
Malaysia are expected to field their best team in a bid to get off to a flying start against the weakened English team without their top pair and European champions Ben Lane-Sean Vendy at the Horsens Forum.
But can Zii Jia, if fielded instead of Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin, last the distance in an important first game for Malaysia.
Even dropping a game could be viewed as a huge setback.
Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh are expected to deliver while captain Aaron Chia and his partner Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun should sweep the first and second doubles respectively.
National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky is taking every tie in the group seriously. The others in the group are Japan and Finland.
“It’s normal in team event to give top players a chance to feel the environment before they can start with tough opponents,” said Rexy.
“That does not mean that England are not strong but I would consider them same as the others too.
“They will put up a strong line-up. My advice to our players and coaches too – stay fully focused in every match in the group stage.”
Kenneth Jonassen, the singles coaching director, expects the players to live up to their status at the Finals.
“In any tournament, more so the Thomas Cup, it’s very important to start on a high note,” said Jonassen.
“The players must embrace the challenge ahead, and come through the different struggles they may face in any match.
“Ultimately, it’s important to set the standard and try to come up strong.”
Zii Jia is feeling the weight of expectations fall on him.
“I used to play as the first singles and now, I will be the last to show up,” he said.
“I’m prepared but the moment you step on court, the pressure is different. No matter how much you prepare, your mindset changes during the match,” he added.
Malaysia have never lost to England in the Thomas Cup Finals and they surely will not want their Horsens campaign to be marred at an early stage.
