SELF-BELIEF THE KEY TO BEATING DENMARK AT THOMAS CUP

Choong Hann knows what it takes to topple Denmark

KUALA LUMPUR: An understrength Malaysia may not stand a chance against defending champions Denmark in the Thomas Cup Finals.

But former Thomas Cupper Wong Choong Hann says self-belief is enough to upset the formbook in the Finals scheduled in Bangkok, Thailand, from May 20-27.

Malaysia are drawn in Group D with Denmark, Russia and Algeria. The top two teams will advance to the quarter-finals.

Choong Hann says Denmark’s strength lies in their mental aptitude and fighting spirit.

“Their players do not fear anyone. They may be ranked lower or higher but they show the right mentality on court – that they have the ability to conquer anyone,” said Choong Hann.

The 2003 World Championships runner-up Choong Hann should know as he was in the team that fought tooth and nail before prevailing with a 3-2 win over Denmark in the quarter-finals of the 2010 edition in Kuala Lumpur, which was his last appearance in the team event.

“Denmark have always been a tough team to beat in every Finals even when they are ranked lower. I hope our players will show the same mentality.”

The Danish team’s dogged determination paid off at the last edition when they won the Thomas Cup title for the first time in Kunshan, China, in 2016.

Then, they beat Malaysia 3-2 in the semi-finals before pulling off another sensational 3-2 win over Indonesia in the final.

Choong Hann said the role of seniors Lee Chong Wei and Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong were crucial. Chong Wei faces Viktor Axelsen while V Shem-Wee Kiong are set to meet the towering Mads ConradPetersen-Mads Pieler Kolding.

“Viktor has not really been tested against calibre players like Chong Wei after his foot surgery. The match could go either way,” said Choong Hann.

“As for V Shem-Wee Kiong, this is a platform for them to justify their status as the top pair in the country. They have to step up and deliver a point.”

As for others in the team like Lee Zii Jia, Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin, Leong Jun Hao, Aaron Chia-Soi Wooi Yik, Teo Ee Yi and Mohd Arif Abdul Latif, veteran Choong Hann said they should take the bull by the horns and prove themselves.

When Choong Hann ruptured his Achilles tendon during the quarter- final tie against South Korea at the 2006 Finals in Japan, youngster and reserve Kuan Beng Hong was given a chance to replace him but Beng Hong froze on the big stage and Malaysia lost to Denmark in the semi-finals.

But doubles shuttler Koo Kien Keat was only 19-year-old when he made his debut at the 2004 Finals in Indonesia and he became an instant star for his amazing showmanship on court.

“The Finals can be a platform that either makes or breaks a young player.

“I hope our juniors will not be cowed but will show good fighting spirit,” he added.

The Finals can be a platform that either makes or breaks a young player. I hope our juniors will not be cowed but will show good fighting spirit. Wong Choong Hann