Thomas Cup: Malaysia To Field The Best Line-up Against Nigeria
KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia are expected to field first choice players for the Thomas Cup Group B opening match against Nigeria at the Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil tomorrow.
National men's singles chief coach Rashid Sidek, who is back in action after being quarantined for influenza A (H1N1) infection, said this was to enable the shuttlers to feel the atmosphere of the competition.
"On paper, Malaysia, seeded third, will easily outplay Nigeria, seeded 11. Nigeria are not powerhouse in badminton," he told reporters here Saturday.
Rashid, however, does not underestimate the ability of Nigerian players as Malaysian shuttlers had never played against them in any competition before and as such could not gauge their strength.
"It will be dangerous for Malaysian players to look down on unknown quantities," he added.
For the record, Nigeria emerged winners of the Africa continent after beating South Africa 3-0.
Meanwhile, Rashid's brother, Misbun, who is a national singles coach, is also rejoining the squad today after being quarantined when his three children were down with fever.
"The ranking is just on paper. What is important, the players must experience the actual atmosphere playing in front of a huge crowd at home," he added.
The national squad were put through their paces for two hours at the Putra Stadium today.
Probable line-up:
MALAYSIA: Datuk Lee Chong Wei, Wong Choong Hann, Muhd Hafiz Hashim, Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong, Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif/Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari.
NIGERIA: Olaoluwa Fagbemi, Ifraimu Jinkam, Eneojo Abah, Ibahim Adamu,Edicha Ocholi, Victor Makanju.
Source from BERNAMA
