VAN HUIZEN SETS
Stiff competition despite favourable draw
SAIFUL AFFENDY SAPRAN nstsport@nst.com
OACH Stephen
Van Huizen believes that his Malaysian team can reach the semi-finals for only the third time in the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast on April 415.
In the draw ceremony yesterday, Malaysia were placed in Group B with Asian champions India, England, Pakistan and Wales.
Group A comprise defending champions and World No 2 Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and Scotland.
Van Huizen said the competition will be stiff despite being drawn in an easier group.
“India will obviously be very strong and our recent results against England have not been very good,” said Van Huizen yesterday.
“Pakistan are always dangerous and we cannot take them lightly.
“Wales could be potentially dangerous and we must take them seriously.”
Van Huizen, however, believes Malaysia have a chance to reach the semi-finals.
“To make the semifinals, we have to beat teams who are better (than us),” he added.
Malaysia’s best performance in the competition was silver at the 1998 Kuala Lumpur edition.
They also won bronze at the 2006 edition in Melbourne.
In the women’s section, Malaysia are in Group A with England, India, South Africa and Wales.
Defending champions Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Canada and Ghana make up Group B.