KUALA LUMPUR: China’s consistency would be Malaysia’s main obstacle in trying to win the Thomas Cup, said one half of Malaysia’s number two men’s doubles pair Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari.The strength of the Chinese players was their consistent performances, compared with those from Denmark and Indonesia, a fact that must not be taken lightly, said Fairuzizuan.
However, playing at home (Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil) and in front of the home crowd would certainly work in our favour, he said.
“I can’t say … (a definite chance to win), but the advantage will be there. Malaysia are a strong team considering we have the men’s world number one singles player and a world number one pair and we have the support of the home fans,” he told Bernama during a training session at Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara here yesterday.
Fairuzizuan said although training had not reached 100 per cent yet, the spirit and mood of the players had already been geared towards the competition.
He added that he and his partner Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif had every chance to be listed as the number two pair behind Koo Kean Keat-Tan Boon Heong, who are the world number ones and the country’s top pair.
The final list would however, be announced after the Asia Badminton Championships in New Delhi from April 12-18.
Apart from the top two pairs, the performance of national back-up squad players Mak Hee Chun-Tan Wee Kiong would also be monitored by doubles head coach Rexy Mainaky. — Bernama