FACING FAMILIAR FOES

Malaysia must get past the Vikings

DEFENDING champions Denmark stand in the way of Malaysia’s mission of making the quarter-finals as group champions in the Thomas Cup in Bangkok on May 20-27.

At the draw in Bangkok yesterday, Malaysia were put in Group D with Denmark, Russia and Algeria.

Ironically, Denmark were the team that shot down Malaysia’s hopes of making the final two years ago in Kunshan, China where the national squad went down to the European champions in the semi-finals.

BAM president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria said come May, the national team will have the best chance to exact revenge for the semi-final loss to the Danes two years ago while advancing as group champions.

“For me, this is a good draw for the national team compared to the other groups. However, the players cannot be too comfortable because the real challenge will be in the quarter-final stage.

“The players not only need to make sure they are able to beat Denmark but what’s more important is achieving the early target set which is to advance to the semi-finals.

“I hope that the coaches and players will be fully prepared and ready for the Thomas Cup challenge this time round, as I want them to play to their true abilities and prove just how good we really are,” said Norza yesterday.

At the 2014 edition in New Delhi, Malaysia managed to advance to the final before surprisingly falling to Japan in the final.

Meanwhile, the national women’s squad face a tough path to the quarter-finals of the Uber Cup after being drawn in Group D with defending champions China, Indonesia and France.

“It will be quite tough for the national women’s squad but I refuse to throw in the towel as we are very focused in preparing as best as we can for it.

“We must defeat Indonesia and France if we are to go to the quarter-finals,” said Norza.