Datuk Lee Chong Wei has suggested to Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) that Chong Wei Feng should be listed in the squad to compete in the Thomas Cup in China next month.
The Perak-born player, who jumped to number two in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) world rankings after clinching his eleventh Malaysian Open title last week, stated that the country would need the services of Chong Wei Feng in the upcoming Thomas Cup even though the latter decided to leave BAM effectively immediately on the first of May.
Lee Chong Wei will be leading the squad as the first singles player for the country, whereas Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin is expected to fill the role of the second singles player.
“We have Goh Soon Huat, Zulfadli Zulkiffli, Soo Teck Zhi and Chong Wei Feng, from these four players, only two will be selected. If Wei Feng is selected as the third singles player, our chances of winning the Thomas Cup will be higher because he is more experienced in team championships than the rest,” Lee Chong Wei said yesterday as quoted by Berita Harian.
“He has always been successful in team events and has earned the nickname of ‘Team King.’
“I am no position to say that he deserves to be called up for the Thomas Cup, but I am just suggesting what I think is best for Malaysia. The final call will fall upon the technical director of BAM, Morten Frost Hansen and the respective coaches,” Chong Wei concluded.
Chong Wei Feng was successful in the 2014 Thomas Cup in New Delhi, India, where he was the second singles play and won every match until losing in the final to Kento Momota.
Malaysia will face South Korea, England and Germany in Group C of the Thomas Cup.
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