MALAYSIA IN WITH A FIGHTING CHANCE
Misbun admits it’s no easy task but he is confident shuttlers will give Japan a fight
IT’S not over until the fat lady sings, says national men’s singles head coach Misbun Sidek, ahead of Malaysia’s tough opening tie against Japan in the Asian Games men’s team event tomorrow.
In the absence of former world No 1 Lee Chong Wei — who withdrew due to illness — Malaysia are faced with the daunting task of taking on the Land of the Rising Sun, who boast the likes of reigning world champion Kento Momota and World No 3 men’s doubles duo Takeshi Kamura-Keigo Sonoda.
Speaking to the media at the Istora Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta following the team’s training session yesterday, Misbun said: “Of course on paper it’s no easy task. We are definitely the underdogs heading into this tie.
“Most of our players, apart from independent shuttler Liew Daren, who we included at the last minute, are still very young and are making their Asian Games debut here.
“We hope they will rise to the occasion and play without fear. Anything can happen, and I strongly believe we are in with a fighting chance.”
With only 13 teams competing, top seeds China, Indonesia and Taiwan, are already through to the quarter-finals, after receiving first round byes.
On the possible lineup, Misbun said he will first have to discuss with national singles coach Hendrawan, before finalising it today.
It is almost certain that World Championships bronze medal winner Daren, will take to court as Malaysia’s first singles followed by Lee Zii Jia as the second.
The other two men’s singles in the squad are 2017 Asian junior champion Leong Jun Hao and Soong Joo Ven.
Meanwhile, national men’s doubles head coach Paulus Firman declined to comment much on his plans for the doubles players ahead of the crunching opener.
“We will have to wait and see if we will play any scratch pairs on that day. I believe we have a chance, despite it looking like a one sided tie. Possibilities are always there,” said Paulus, who has six players — Goh V Shem, Tan Wee Kiong, Ong Yew Sin, Teo Ee Yi, Chan Peng Soon and Goh Soon Huat — to form combinations with.
Malaysia’s best result in the men’s team event, since badminton was introduced in 1960 (Bangkok), was finishing second at the 1990 edition in Beijing, China.