Draw inspiration from stars in the camp says, Chin Chai

KUALA LUMPUR: The ThomasUber Cup players have been urged to look up to “stars” from within to draw inspiration ahead of the Finals.

The 10-member men and women’s team will leave for Bangkok, Thailand on Thursday for the Finals starting on May 20.

The team will be accompanied by coaches Datuk Misbun Sidek, Cheah Soon Kit, Hendrawan and Paulus Firman (Thomas Cup) and Datuk Tey Seu Bock, Rosman Razak, Rony Agustinus and Wong Pei Tty (Uber Cup).

Soon Kit and Hendrawan have tasted success in Thomas Cup Finals. Soon Kit was a member of the team who won the 1992 edition at Stadium Negara while Hendrawan was a member of the successful Indonesian team in 2002.

Misbun was a coach with the team in 1992 while Paulus has been involved with 13-time champions Indonesia.

Malaysia team manager Datuk Ng Chin Chai said players were in the right circle of influence.

“The coaches are their inspiration. Soon Kit and Hendrawan have won Thomas Cup before and they’ll be able to motivate our players,” said Chin Chai.

“We also have calibre coaches – Misbun and Paulus. They know what it takes to guide a team to success.

“We hope our players will continue to be psyched up leading to the Finals. We may be ranked lower than other teams but a motivated team can pull off the unexpected,” he added.

The teams have also watched the winning performance of the 1992 team countless times – to get them all worked up for the challenge ahead.

Malaysia’s Thomas Cup team are drawn in Group D with defending champions Denmark, Russia and Algeria. The women’s team are in Group A with defending champions China, Indonesia and France.