ants
03-14-2004, 09:29 AM
MALAYSIA may have the luxury of "choosing" their quarter-final opponents for the Thomas Cup finals in Jakarta on May 7-16.
While it is an option that national coach Misbun Sidek will not rule out, it is a decision that will only be taken when the prestigious tournament draws closer. In fact, Misbun believes it is an option that even other countries may be contemplating, and as such, the decision will be taken after taking into account several factors, and not based on current performances.
"The Chinese, at this point, are a few steps ahead of the rest. They are strong in the singles and now, even the doubles," said Misbun.
"But Indonesia also have the advantage of playing at home and they will be fired-up for the challenge. But we have a very good squad and I believe the other countries will want to avoid playing us as well."
China, Indonesia and the United States have been drawn in Group A while Malaysia head Group B which also comprise Thailand and South Africa.
Group B has South Korea, Germany and New Zealand while Denmark, Japan and England complete Group D.
However, Malaysia, should they top the group, will meet either Indonesia or China in the quarter-finals, and given Malaysia's current form, it could mean an early exit.
But should Malaysia "throw" away a tie to finish as group runners-up, they face a less intimidating challenge in the last eight as South Korea could be their most likely opponent.
While this option provides an easier passage to the semi-finals, Malaysia would, in all probability, meet European champions Denmark in the last four.
The Danes have shown vast improvement and are strong in both the singles and doubles.
In the singles, they have former World No 1 Peter Gade Christensen, who is slowly but surely regaining his old form. They also have the unpredictable Anders Boesen, a player who tamed fallen All-England champion Mohamed Hafiz Hashim.
Completing their singles line-up will be Kenneth Jonassen, a difficult player to beat when he is on form.
"But the most important thing is to ensure our preparations are 100 per cent, and we have to prepare with the attitude of playing any one of these countries," added Misbun.
"We also have to take into account the shuttlers’, ours and those from other countries, performances in May. The rankings will also influence who will be fielded and the tactical options open to us.
"There could be players injured, so many things to consider.
"But if there is a need to choose whom we want to play, we may do so. However, it is not something that I’m going to start thinking about now.
"When the time comes, we will decide."
And that will only come in May.
While it is an option that national coach Misbun Sidek will not rule out, it is a decision that will only be taken when the prestigious tournament draws closer. In fact, Misbun believes it is an option that even other countries may be contemplating, and as such, the decision will be taken after taking into account several factors, and not based on current performances.
"The Chinese, at this point, are a few steps ahead of the rest. They are strong in the singles and now, even the doubles," said Misbun.
"But Indonesia also have the advantage of playing at home and they will be fired-up for the challenge. But we have a very good squad and I believe the other countries will want to avoid playing us as well."
China, Indonesia and the United States have been drawn in Group A while Malaysia head Group B which also comprise Thailand and South Africa.
Group B has South Korea, Germany and New Zealand while Denmark, Japan and England complete Group D.
However, Malaysia, should they top the group, will meet either Indonesia or China in the quarter-finals, and given Malaysia's current form, it could mean an early exit.
But should Malaysia "throw" away a tie to finish as group runners-up, they face a less intimidating challenge in the last eight as South Korea could be their most likely opponent.
While this option provides an easier passage to the semi-finals, Malaysia would, in all probability, meet European champions Denmark in the last four.
The Danes have shown vast improvement and are strong in both the singles and doubles.
In the singles, they have former World No 1 Peter Gade Christensen, who is slowly but surely regaining his old form. They also have the unpredictable Anders Boesen, a player who tamed fallen All-England champion Mohamed Hafiz Hashim.
Completing their singles line-up will be Kenneth Jonassen, a difficult player to beat when he is on form.
"But the most important thing is to ensure our preparations are 100 per cent, and we have to prepare with the attitude of playing any one of these countries," added Misbun.
"We also have to take into account the shuttlers’, ours and those from other countries, performances in May. The rankings will also influence who will be fielded and the tactical options open to us.
"There could be players injured, so many things to consider.
"But if there is a need to choose whom we want to play, we may do so. However, it is not something that I’m going to start thinking about now.
"When the time comes, we will decide."
And that will only come in May.