PETALING JAYA: Beating China is never easy, but it is not impossible.
That is what national singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia believes.
Malaysia head into the Thomas Cup quarter-finals facing a tough task against 11-time champions and defending champions China in Horsens, Denmark, today.
The national team, who finished as Group B runners-up behind Japan, had avoided a potential clash with other group champions Taiwan and Thailand.
China are the strongest on paper, and they underlined their status by sweeping all three of their Group A ties against Australia, Canada and India.
Malaysia, being one of the weakest of the eight in the knockout stage, will need to go all out to defy the odds, with mental strength set to be crucial if they are to reach the semi-finals.
The 28-year Zii Jia, who has won all his group matches so far, believes Malaysia still have a chance to go all the way, provided everyone plays their part.
“There’s definitely a chance for us to win the Thomas Cup, but as I’ve said before, I don’t want to put too much expectation on myself.
“My job is to do my part well as the third singles, and the rest depends on my teammates. I have confidence,” said Zii Jia in an interview with the Badminton World Federation.
Zii Jia also backed his teammates to bounce back after some inconsistent performances in the group stage.
“Even if they lost yesterday or didn’t play well, I still believe they can come back stronger,” he added.
It’s unsure whether world No. 1 Shi Yuqi, will be ready to assume his duty after suffering stomach ailment a few days ago.
In his absence, Li Shifeng, who is expected to lead China’s singles, holds a strong record over Leong Jun Hao, having won eight of their nine previous meetings.
It will also be a tough task for Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik to deliver a point, as China’s top pair Liang Weikeng-Wang Chang boast an impressive head-to-head record, winning nine of their 12 meetings.
It will be tough for Justin Hoh while in the second doubles, Malaysia may have a chance with either Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun or Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani against He Jiting-Ren Xiangyu.
It may not get to Zii Jia if China wrap up the tie in three wins, but if Malaysia win both doubles, the former then has a chance to make a difference.
Today’s tie will be a repeat of the Thomas Cup semi-finals in Chengdu two years ago, where Malaysia went down 1-3 to settle for bronze, while China went on to lift the title after beating Indonesia in the final.
