ants
03-14-2004, 09:08 PM
MALAYSIA have a better chance against Indonesia than China in the Thomas Cup quarter-finals, believes former national coach and four-time All-England champion Morten Frost Hansen.
Malaysia's all round strength and the tremendous pressure that Indonesia, as hosts, will face from their fanatical fans, will definitely make them as favourites if the two sides were to meet in the Thomas Cup.
"I would say it's better for Malaysia to play Indonesia in the quarter-finals than China," said Frost. "But it also raises the possibility of playing Denmark in the semi-finals, but I still believe Malaysia should emerge champions of the group and play Indonesia.
"Of course, this is on the assumption that China beats Indonesia in their group." Frost is currently the head coach of South Africa who have also qualified for the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup by virtue of finishing as African champions.
Indonesia, who are the defending champions were seeded fifth by the International Badminton Federation (IBF), a decision which ruled out the hosts from heading any of the four groups for the Thomas Cup finals on May 7-16.
And in the draw released by IBF on Friday, Indonesia were drawn with China, the top seeds and United States in Group A. Malaysia, Thailand and South Africa are in Group C while Group B comprise South Korea, Germany and New Zealand while Denmark, Japan and England are in Group D.
The winner of each group will progress to the quarter-finals while the second and third-placed teams will be involved in play-offs to decide the four remaining berths.
The winner of Group A was drawn to meet Group C champions in the last eight, a draw which, should the matches go according to the form book, will pit Malaysia (Group C champions) taking on Indonesia.
If Malaysia were to finish runner-up of Group C, they will play probable Group B champions Korea, a tie considered easier than taking on Indonesia.
While it my seem easier, the winner will most probably meet Denmark in the last four.
"Indonesia are traditionally strong in the doubles but Malaysia will be able to see it through in the singles," added Frost.
"In fact, Malaysia also have two strong doubles pairs and that is why I believe Malaysia stand a better chance against Indonesia than playing China. "They (Indonesia) will have strong support from fans and the home ground advantage will be in their favour, but it is better than China.
"China look very strong and their recent performances and results in the international circuit speak for themselves." National coach Misbun Sidek,however, said that the most important factor was to ensure Malaysia's preparations were thorough.
Malaysia's all round strength and the tremendous pressure that Indonesia, as hosts, will face from their fanatical fans, will definitely make them as favourites if the two sides were to meet in the Thomas Cup.
"I would say it's better for Malaysia to play Indonesia in the quarter-finals than China," said Frost. "But it also raises the possibility of playing Denmark in the semi-finals, but I still believe Malaysia should emerge champions of the group and play Indonesia.
"Of course, this is on the assumption that China beats Indonesia in their group." Frost is currently the head coach of South Africa who have also qualified for the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup by virtue of finishing as African champions.
Indonesia, who are the defending champions were seeded fifth by the International Badminton Federation (IBF), a decision which ruled out the hosts from heading any of the four groups for the Thomas Cup finals on May 7-16.
And in the draw released by IBF on Friday, Indonesia were drawn with China, the top seeds and United States in Group A. Malaysia, Thailand and South Africa are in Group C while Group B comprise South Korea, Germany and New Zealand while Denmark, Japan and England are in Group D.
The winner of each group will progress to the quarter-finals while the second and third-placed teams will be involved in play-offs to decide the four remaining berths.
The winner of Group A was drawn to meet Group C champions in the last eight, a draw which, should the matches go according to the form book, will pit Malaysia (Group C champions) taking on Indonesia.
If Malaysia were to finish runner-up of Group C, they will play probable Group B champions Korea, a tie considered easier than taking on Indonesia.
While it my seem easier, the winner will most probably meet Denmark in the last four.
"Indonesia are traditionally strong in the doubles but Malaysia will be able to see it through in the singles," added Frost.
"In fact, Malaysia also have two strong doubles pairs and that is why I believe Malaysia stand a better chance against Indonesia than playing China. "They (Indonesia) will have strong support from fans and the home ground advantage will be in their favour, but it is better than China.
"China look very strong and their recent performances and results in the international circuit speak for themselves." National coach Misbun Sidek,however, said that the most important factor was to ensure Malaysia's preparations were thorough.