National number one shuttler Lee Chong Wei is extremely optimistic that Malaysia will advance to the finals of the Sudirman Cup at Gold Coast, Australia this coming weekend.
The world’s best badminton player said that the national team will travel to Australia without any pressure and has warned the competition that Malaysia is capable of big surprises.
“I am pretty sure that everyone knows our chances are bright. However, Goh Liu Ying’s (mixed doubles) injury would be a big loss to us,” he said as quoted by Berita Harian.
“We are not at a disadvantage. I believe everyone in the team will give their best. Our best finish in this competition was in 2009 after we were eliminated from the semi-finals. As players, we only want to improve and if we make it to the finals, it will be a bonus for us.
“What’s important is the ability to work as a team, because we have to win and lose as one.”
Malaysia was drawn in Group C alongside the likes of Japan and Germany. They face Germany on May 23 and Japan on May 24. The top two teams from the group stages will advance to the quarter-finals, which will be determined by a random draw.
The other players that will be taking part in the Sudirman Cup are Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin and Lee Zii Jia (men’s singles); Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi (men’s doubles); Goh Jin Wei and Sonia Cheah (women’s singles); Vivian Hoo-Woon Khe Wei and Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yean (women’s doubles) and Cheah Yee See (mixed).
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