INDONESIA CAN DOUBLE THE PAIN FOR MALAYSIA IN THOMAS CUP
Razif: We must steal a point from Indonesia’s strongest department to win
KUALA LUMPUR: Thirteen-time Thomas Cup winners Indonesia – boasting two world champions – are threatening to look like untouchables in the doubles.
And Malaysia’s former doubles specialist Datuk Razik Sidek admits it will be tough to beat Indonesia at the Finals in Bangkok, Thailand, from May 20-27.
Razif feels Malaysia’s only chance of beating their arch-rivals Indonesia is by stealing one point in the doubles.
Malaysia and Indonesia are in different groups but they may cross paths from the quarter-final onwards – depending on the fresh draw that will be carried out after the group stage.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) are using the May 3 world rankings to determine the team line-ups.
Indonesia will be banking on world No. 1 and 2017 World Superseries Finals champions Marcus Fernaldi Gideon-Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo.
They also have two-time world champions Mohd Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan, who won it in 2013 and 2015. Hendra left the national team two years ago but has been recalled to give the team extra punch.
They also have 22-year-olds Muhd Rian Ardianto-Fajar Alfian to add depth to the team.
“Indonesia look so strong in the men’s doubles. Based on current form, their top doubles pair Marcus-Kevin are unbeatable,” said Razif, who was a member of the team who won the 1992 Thomas Cup.
“It’ll be super tough for our top pair V Shem-Wee Kiong. They must put whatever differences between them aside to give their best for the nation.
“I was surprised with the selection of other doubles players. But I’m sure the coaches have put a lot of thought into it ... sometimes, a surprise element like this can catch the opponents off guard. I hope our juniors or scratch pair can pull off an upset.”
Razif says Malaysia have the potential to steal two points in the singles through any one of these players – Lee Chong Wei, Lee Zii Jia, Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin and Leong Jun Hao.
“Barring any upset, Chong Wei should give us the first point. He is more experienced,” said Razif.
“There is a chance to win the third singles. Iskandar or Jun Hao may get to play but Iskandar has the experience of playing in a Finals before.
“I’m excited with the inclusion of Zii Jia and Jun Hao in the Thomas Cup. Our juniors have been given a big break to make a name for themselves. I wish them the best.”
Indonesia’s singles players are all in their early 20s – Anthony Ginting (22), Jonatan Christie (20), Ihsan Maulana Mustofa (22) and Firman Abdul Kholik (20).