Danish players 'training' with Misbun not a reason for M'sia's loss to Denmark - Khairy

Claims that Danish players had trained with Datuk Misbun Sidek at Kelab Badminton Nusa Mahsuri should not be linked with Denmark's victory in the Thomas Cup or Malaysia's loss to Denmark in the semifinal.

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said it was too much on an exaggeration to say that Denmark's victory was because the Danish players had trained with Misbun for a few days.

"I don't think that is an issue because they were not training at Nusa Mahsuri but rather just spending a few days with Misbun at the club before the Malaysian Open last month.

"I think people are blowing it out of proportion... they spent a couple of days with Misbun doesn't mean that you can say they were training under him and he was their coach," he told reporters after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the ministry and DRB-Hicom, here today.

He was commenting on news claiming that Denmark's historic Thomas Cup victory on Sunday was due to Misbun's guidance to the Danish players.

Among players who had spent some time with Misbun before the Malaysian Open were Denmark's Hans-Kristian Vittinghus and Jan O Jorgensen, who were instrumental in Denmark's maiden Thomas Cup victory after beating Indonesia 3-2 in the final.

Malaysia led by Datuk Lee Chong Wei had also lost 2-3 to Denmark in the semifinals, thus failing to repeat the runner-up position in New Delhi, India, two years ago.

Khairy also clarified that his statement about Chong Wei's services for the 2018 Thomas Cup was just a tactical option and not a directive for Chong Wei to stay on.

"I only mentioned that there is a possible tactical option. I didn't say that I want him (Chong Wei) to stay... it is a possible tactical option, for our third singles, just in case, that's all," he said.

Khairy was reported to have said Chong Wei's services would still be needed for the 2018 Thomas Cup.