MALAYSIA can use their opening match against Mongolia tomorrow as a useful tune-up before facing traditional rivals Indonesia in the quarter-finals of the men’s team event at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen believes both the men’s and women’s team draws are tough, but remains confident his players can produce their best.
The competition will take place at Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium.
“Tough but very exciting draws for both teams. I trust the players to give their strongest possible performance and challenge our opponents.
“We need the never-give-up attitude, with strong belief and confidence,” said Jonassen when contacted.
If Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh are fielded against Mongolia, the match could give them a chance to get used to the court conditions and build some momentum before the quarter-finals.
Indonesia, in contrast, will head straight into the last eight after receiving a first-round bye as the top seeds.
The match could also give the coaching team an opportunity to test some of the younger players, with Eogene Ewe or Kong Wei Xiang among those who could be given a run-out.
Aaron Chia-Tee Kai Wun could also feature against Mongolia as they look to get more court time together.
The pair have not played together since being briefly partnered at the Thomas Cup Finals in Horsens in April, and the opening match could give them a chance to gauge their combination before the tougher tests ahead.
Mongolia may have brought only eight players to the Games, but Malaysia cannot afford to take them lightly.
One player who could pose a threat is Usukh-Ireedui Uulensolongo, who won bronze in the boys’ singles Under-19 event at the Central Asian Badminton Championships in Khujand, Tajikistan, earlier this month.
Malaysia have not won a medal in the men’s team event at the Asian Games since taking bronze at Incheon 2014.
