KUALA LUMPUR – Rankings, experience, and team spirit are the advantages that Malaysia has over Hong Kong going into the opening match of the Thomas Cup on Saturday for both teams, according to independent shuttler Cheam June Wei.
Hong Kong, boosted by Malaysians Wong Choong Hann and Choong Tan Fook in their coaching set-up, is making their sixth appearance in the tournament.
They have listed seasoned men’s singles players like world number 15 Lee Cheuk-yiu and Angus Ng (27), as well as Jason Gunawan (95) and Chan Yin-chak (92).
Lacking in doubles, Hong Kong has called in mixed doubles players Tang Chun-man and Reginald Lee to bolster their squad.
Chun-man forms the world’s number eight mixed doubles partnership with Tse Ying Suet, while Reginald and Chau Hoi Wah are currently the world number 22.
June Wei, ranked 63rd in the world, feels Malaysia has the upper hand in terms of rankings and experience, especially in team events.
“Since juniors, we have played a lot of the team events. I think we have more experience than Hong Kong in these types of competitions so that will benefit us.
“Traditionally in team competitions Malaysia’s team spirit is always high. I don’t think Hong Kong can match us in that department,” he said.
The 27-year-old, who resigned from the national team in 2021, praised the atmosphere in the national camp built by the team-building activities organised by the coaches.
“I’m happy to be a part of this Thomas Cup squad and to represent Malaysia again on the world stage again makes me proud.
“The environment and facilities at ABM are the best and I’m happy that the coaches have allowed me to come in and train with them, I really appreciate it a lot,” added June Wei, who is making his second Thomas Cup appearance for Malaysia after his debut at the 2020 edition in Aarhus, Denmark.
If Malaysia can get past Hong Kong, they will face minnows Algeria before a top-of-the-table clash against Denmark to determine Group D winners.
“If we perform well… I think we stand a chance against Denmark.
“On paper, they are very strong, especially in the men’s singles but most of them are in the same batch with me.
“I have experience playing against Anders Antonsen and Rasmus Gemke in my junior days, this will help me when I face them,” added the Penangite.
Malaysia’s clash against Hong Kong will be on Saturday, then they will face Algeria on Sunday before playing Denmark on Tuesday. – April 23, 2024