PETALING JAYA: It was a classic David versus Goliath battle, but young Rashid Sidek sparked Malaysia’s fightback that saw the nation topple mighty China at Stadium Negara in the semi-finals of the Thomas Cup Finals 34 years ago.
Can the team led by captain Aaron Chia deliver another roaring show when they clash with China, led by Shi Yuqi, in the quarter-finals in Horsens today?
The 57-year-old Rashid hopes so.
In fact, the singles legend Rashid has called on every player, especially the singles, to fight for every point.
“I was not nervous at all. Zhao Jianhua was the best player at that time but I was confident to face him,” said Rashid.
“Self-motivation and confidence are very important. It must show in your face, in your posture ... stare at your opponent to show that you have come for a fight.
“Our singles players, especially Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh, lack that fighting spirit. This is your chance, step up,” he added.
“It will be tough. China are the defending champions and have won the Cup 11 times, but we can fight them.
“We have to get one singles and we must win the doubles.”
Rashid brought the roof down at Stadium Negara by beating Zhao Jianhua 18-14, 10-15, 15-12 to draw first blood.
Jalani Sidek-Razif Sidek then upped the tempo by defeating Li Yongbo-Tian Bingyi 5-15, 15-10, 15-5.
Wu Wenkai beat Foo Kok Keong 15-11, 15-8, but Cheah Soon Kit-Soo Beng Kian clinched the winning point with a 15-9, 18-14 victory over Huang Zhanzhong-Zheng Yumin.
In the last match, Liu Jun defeated Kwan Yoke Meng 15-12, 15-13.
Malaysia then defeated Indonesia 3-2 in the final to win the Cup after a 25-year wait.
Malaysia also defeated China 4-1 in the semi-finals at the 1994 edition and pulled off a sensational 3-1 win at the 2002 edition in the semi-finals. Malaysia have lost eight other times to them.
For today’s tie against China, Aaron-Soh Wooi Yik are expected to return as the top pair and will cross swords with world No. 1 Liang Wengkeng-Wang Chang.
Malaysia can field either Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun or Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, and both combinations have an equal chance of fighting for a point against He Jiting-Ren Xiangyu.
Jun Hao, Justin and Lee Zii Jia are expected to face Shi Yuqi, Li Shifeng and Lu Guangzu respectively and hopes are high on them to restore the singles pride.
