Christensen banking on his team-mates to derail Malaysia

OLD warrior Peter-gade Christensen may find it difficult to deliver the first point against Lee Chong Wei but he has total confidence over his team-mates’ ability to tear apart the Malaysian team.

Today, Malaysia take on Denmark and the outcome will determine the national team’s fate in the quarterfinals and avoid a possible clash against defending champions China or South Korea.

Christensen, who is playing in his final Thomas Cup Finals, has vowed to stoke the fire in his team’s bid to topple Malaysia in a Group C clash.

“On paper, a match against Chong Wei is difficult but I will lay down everything I have to give Denmark a good start. The manner I play should be good enough to inspire my team,” warned Christensen.

The 35-year-old Christensen, who will end his more than decade–long badminton career after the London Olympics, has won only one of his 17 matches against Chong Wei in the past and of late, he has been troubled by a foot injury.

“I am in the rebuilding phase and my foot is better right now,” said the lanky Dane.

Christensen’s confidence over Denmark’s chances stems from the rise of Jan O Jorgensen, Hans-kristian Vittinghus and 2010 world junior champion Viktor Axelsen.

“A lot of old guys will leave after the London Games and all our upcoming singles players are ready to take over for Denmark. They are ready to show up at this Thomas Cup Finals,” he said.

Christensen also pointed out that Denmark had better depth in their men’s doubles through Carsten Mogensen-mathias Boe, MadsConrad Petersen-jonas Rasmussen and Joachim Fischer Nielsen-mads Peiler Kolding.

“We stand a chance of winning in every match and all we need to do is take three. We have the best team and are capable of pulling it off,” he said.

With only one final shot at ending Denmark’s wait to become the Thomas Cup champions for the first time, Christensen said that he was looking forward to a good outing.

“There is nothing to forget in the Thomas Cup Finals.

“Every Finals has been special and filled with memories. And I just want to add one more glorious outing,” he added.