CHONG WEI’S GREAT INFLUENCE
V Shem feels former World No 1 can inspire the youthful team
LEE Chong Wei’s performance can influence the outcome of a tie involving the Malaysian Thomas Cup team. That is the view of national men’s doubles shuttler Goh V Shem ahead of the prestigious tournament which starts today.
V Shem said that Chong Wei’s performance can influence the team, which could decide the outcome of a tie.
Despite turning 36 this year, Chong Wei is still Malaysia’s No 1 men’s singles, and hopes are high on him to deliver in what could be his final appearance in the Thomas Cup.
“If Chong Wei doesn’t win the first point, the whole of Malaysia will know what comes next. I don’t even need to explain it,” said V Shem, who makes up the country’s No 1 men’s doubles with Tan Wee Kiong.
“Chong Wei is important and crucial to the team as he can change the mood of a tie. Of course having said that, everyone has a role to play.
“This year, we come into the tournament as underdogs, but we shouldn’t give up. The tournament hasn’t event started... so we need to be confident.”
V Shem pointed out that the team’s disappointing outing at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games (April) is a thing of the past and shouldn’t be compared to the Thomas Cup.
“The Commonwealth Games is a different story and it’s over. We don’t think or talk about it anymore.
“The Thomas Cup is a competition that boasts of so many top badminton countries. Everyone has to give their best.”
Apart from Wee Kiong, the other men’s doubles shuttlers in the squad are Aaron Chia, Soh Wooi Yik, Teo Ee Yi and Mohd Arif Latif.
Malaysia are in Group D in the India v France (10am), China v Australia (8pm); Indonesia v Canada (10am), South Korea v Thailand (8pm); Japan v Hong Kong (3pm), Taiwan v Germany (8pm).
Japan v Australia (10am), India v Canada (3pm); Taiwan v Hong Kong (10am). Thailand v Germany (3pm); South Korea v Mauritius (3pm), Denmark v Russia (8pm) — All matches in Malaysian time.