Norza: Thomas Cup is most important to us

PETALING JAYA: Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria (pic) has made it crystal clear that the Thomas Cup Finals will take precedence over everything else next year.

And it will now be up to the two head coaches – Datuk Misbun Sidek (singles) and Cheah Soon Kit (doubles) – to assemble the best team.

“There are many major tournaments next year, but Thomas Cup is the most important to us,” said Norza, who is also the BAM coaching and training committee chairman.

“The mandate has been given to Misbun to pick the best four singles players. He has a better knowledge of the players now. He knows best who can withstand the pressure of playing in a team event.”

Based on the world ranking, the top four are Lee Chong Wei (No. 6), Lee Zii Jia (No. 44), Soong Joo Ven (No. 61), and Lim Chi Wing (No. 78). Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin has dropped to No. 94.

The non-BAM players with good world rankings are Chong Wei Feng (No. 41), Zulfadli Zulkiffli (No. 46) and Liew Daren (No. 66).

“Soon Kit has a challenging task to prepare solid pairs for the Thomas Cup, especially after the recent changes in the partnerships. He has our full support to form the best pairs,” said Norza.

The top two pairs are Goh V Shem-Teo Ee Yi and Tan Wee Kiong-Ong Yew Sin. The third ranked pair of Chooi Kah MingLow Juan Shen have been progressing well over the last few months.

Malaysia will host the Badminton Asia Team Championships in Alor Setar, Kedah, in February and it will serve as the qualifiers for the Thomas- Uber Cup Finals in Bangkok, Thailand, from May 20-27.

Malaysia last won the Thomas Cup in 1992 in Kuala Lumpur.

Since then, they have emerged as runners-up four times – 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2014 – and reached the semi-finals four times – 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2016.