Young hands can expect to have their hands full at Finals
The bulk of the Thomas Cup Finals squad may be young but there are high expectations on them to keep the nation’s flag flying high in Aarhus, Denmark, from Oct 3-11.
National coaching director Wong Choong Hann said none would be going to Denmark as passengers in the team.
“Some of them have played in the previous Finals but they did not play a prominent role. They were either on the bench or only fielded in the group stage. This time, all will be at the forefront,” said Choong Hann.
Only Cheam June Wei, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and Ong Yew Sin will be making their debut as others had played in the Finals before.
The others in the team are Lee Zii Jia, Liew Daren, Aaron ChiaSoh Wooi Yik, and Teo Ee Yi.
At the last edition in Bangkok, Thailand, two years ago, Zii Jia played as the second singles while Lee Chong Wei was the
first singles.
In the doubles, scratch pair Aaron-Ee Yi played as the second doubles pair.
The top pair was Goh V ShemTan Wee Kiong but both turned down the offer due to family commitments. V Shem became a father on the eve of Merdeka while Wee Kiong is expected to have his second child next month.
Choong Hann has set a semi-final target for the men’s team.
“We want the men’s team to go one step better (they reached the quarter-finals in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2018),” said Choong Hann.
“Everyone will have a different role to play, Zii Jia will be leading the team.
“Aaron will get to play with Wooi Yik as the first pair for the first time.
“They have bigger responsibilities,” he said.
“Daren was chosen ahead of Soong Joo Ven because of his experience. Joo Ven has done well and it was close, but the coaching staff decided to go for experience.”
For the women’s team, Choong Hann said they have set a topeight target.
The girls failed to clear the group stage two years ago.