KUALA LUMPUR – Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) coaching director Rexy Mainaky has vowed to assemble a formidable team in preparation for the upcoming Thomas Cup, set to take place in Chengdu, China on April 27.
Unlike the Uber Cup approach where Rexy hinted at fielding a youthful squad without the main women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan and M.Thinaah, the strategy for the Malaysian team competing in the Thomas Cup will differ.
However, Rexy is mindful of the challenges awaiting the Malaysian men’s team – particularly with national men’s singles player Ng Tze Yong still recovering from a back injury.
He is determined to ensure that Malaysia will not encounter a repeat of the complicated situation seen previously, where Haikal Nazri was fielded as the third men’s singles player against China in the final of the Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) in Shah Alam last month.
During the encounter, Malaysia had to do without Lee Zii Jia and Tze Yong’s service due to injuries, resulting in a 1-3 defeat to China.
“That was the first time in my coaching career that I faced such a situation.
“Whether we opt to bring five men’s singles players and five men’s doubles pairs or follow a different strategy, the decision will be made accordingly.
“This decision is not just for me personally, but also for the Malaysians.
“We aim to field a solid team for the Thomas Cup, one that will not encounter injury problems we faced at BATC last month,” said Rexy.
While Zii Jia’s inclusion in the Thomas Cup squad seems almost certain, Rexy and the coaching staff are still evaluating Tze Yong’s fitness and the player who will assume the role of the third men’s singles player.
“In reality, we have equally talented men’s singles players. We have Zii Jia and, if he manages to recover in time – Tze Yong, whom I believe can pose a significant challenge.
“For the third men’s singles spot, we have Leong Jun Hao, Eogene Ewe, and Justin Hoh,” he added.
The last time the Malaysian squad successfully lifted the Thomas Cup was during the 1992 edition in Kuala Lumpur. – March 27, 2024