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Badminton: All-Asian Thomas Cup semis too close to
call
Jakarta—Coaches admit the semi-finals of the Thomas
Cup team championships are too close to call but whoever wins will
be from Asia, once again underlining regional dominance on the
badminton court.
Only three countries have ever lifted the cup since its inception in
1948 and they are all in Friday’s semi-finals here—Indonesia (13
titles), China (six), and Malaysia (five).
The dark horses are South Korea, who admitted manipulating their
group games to ensure the easiest passage possible into the last
four as they strive to land the prestigious trophy for the first
time.
China are aiming for their third straight title ahead of the Beijing
Olympics in August, but coach Li Yongbo admits the gap between his
side and the chasing pack has narrowed.
“I think China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Denmark are all very equal
at the moment,” the usually unresponsive Li said at a rare press
conference after his team beat Thailand in the quarter-finals.
“I’d say though that Indonesia are favourites because they have the
home crowd support.”
Malaysia, led by world number two Lee Chong Wei, stand in China’s
way and Li knows it will be a titanic battle.
“Malaysia have strong singles players and excellent doubles
combinations and if we do not prepare well, we will lose,” he said
Li.
“Lee Chong Wei and company are more experienced and have more depth
in their game. However, my players have prepared well and we are
confident of winning the title.”
The Malaysians opted for new doubles pairings in their victory over
Japan on Wednesday with Koo Kien Keat partnering Choong Tan Fook and
Tan Boon Heong playing alongside Zakry Latif.
National doubles coach Rexy Mainaky said it was a risk but would
have China wondering what Malaysia, who haven’t won the title since
1992, will do next.
“The successful move has made Malaysia more unpredictable and China
will now be scratching their heads about our strategies against
them,” Rexy told reporters.
Indonesia can count on boisterous home support against the Koreans
but there is concern over the form of world number six Sony Dwi
Kuncoro, who committed a series of unforced errors on Wednesday
against England’s Andrew Smith.
“I have to raise my fighting spirit for the semi-finals because my
opponents will be much stronger,” Kuncoro admitted.
Indonesian coach Indra Gunawan knows it will be tough to win despite
national expectations.
“Korean players are in top form, both singles and doubles,” he told
reporters.
Despite the match-manipulation row Korea have been the surprise
package of the tournament, carving out a 3-2 upset of European
giants Denmark to make the semis with fast-improving singles players
Park Sung-Hwan and Lee Hyun-Il. Denmark were runners-up to China in
the past two Thomas Cups.—AFP
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