PETALING JAYA: It was not the result Malaysia wanted at the Thomas Cup, but the reality is something we must accept.
Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the national team have to face the facts and find ways to improve after bowing out in the quarter-finals of the Thomas Cup on Friday.
"It’s not the result we wanted, and surely there is a lot for us to improve on," Zafrul said on social media.
"But this is the reality we have to face."
Zafrul caught the action from Horsens at the MPAJ Hall in Pandan Indah on Friday, alongside national legend Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei.
Despite the loss, the atmosphere and support from Malaysian badminton fans for the national team kept Zafrul optimistic for the future.
"The night in Pandan, the hall was full. The cheers were there. The spirit could be felt - as if it was in the stadium.
"With the presence of a legend like Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei and the support from fellow fans, one thing is clear - there is still hope, but the standards have to be lifted as well," he said.
Malaysia were sent packing by defending champions China with the 11-time champions winning 3-0 at the Forum Horsens.
China’s Shi Yuqi got the first point after defeating Leong Jun Hao 21-10, 16-21, 21-9, followed by Liang Weikeng-Wang Chang’s 24-22, 21-14 win over Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik.
The pressure then mounted for Justin Hoh, but he was no match for Li Shifeng who won 21-14, 21-13 to book China’s spot in the semi-finals.
