Thomas Cup: Men secure place in quarters

Malaysia's Men's team at the Li-Ning BWF Thomas/Uber Cup comfortably secured a place in the quarterfinals after winning their second match in Group C against Germany 4-1, while the women's team in Group Z went down against Denmark 2-3 in the opening game itself.

Malaysia breezed through four matches in the Men's team, except for team captain, Daren Liew who failed to deliver any point for the second consecutive day and faces the possibility of being dropped from the next meet against South Korea on Wednesday.

"The overall performance (of the men's team) today was satisfactory except for that of Daren Liew who is still finding his game," national singles chief coach, Rashid Sidek told reporters at the Siri Fort Stadium here, on Monday.

"We will discuss with the other coaches, We might make changes for the fourth singles, but this is still under discussion," he said, when asked if Daren Liew will be replaced with Goh Soon Huat.

Asked further if the team would be taking a risk by doing that, Rashid said," If we feel we have to do that, we will. What is impprtant is that we make the decision that is the best for the team."

Malaysia's men's first singles, Datuk Lee Chong Wei thrashed Zwiebler Marc 21-14-21-8.

Although, the win against Germany automatically gives Malaysia a position in the quarterfinals, the team should also win against South Korea on Wednesday and top Group C, said Chong Wei.

"I also want the team to win against Korea so that we will be the group leader, which means we won't meet China and there will be higher chances of us going to semi-finals," he said.

Malaysia's target for the Thomas Cup is to qualify for the semifinals.

First doubles, Tan Boon Heong/Tan Wee Kiong won against Johannes Schoettler/Michael Fuchs 13-21, 21-17, 21-18 while Chong Wei Feng defeated Dieter Domke 19-21, 22-20, 23-21.

Wei Feng made a stunning comeback to win the game from the second match onwards.

"I have always said that my weak point is to play against a taller opponent.

So, today was a breakthrough on that. I have gained confidence," he said, adding that his strength in today's match was defence and net play.

Goh V Shem/Lim Khim Wah brushed aside Peter Kaesbauer/Josche Zurwonne in a straight set 21-12, 21-18, but Daren Liew was smashed out by Lucas Schmidt 20-22, 10-21.

On doubles' performance, national doubles coach, Pang Cheh Chang said the plan was to try the doubles players with different partners depending on the opponents.

He said they will discuss further on the combination for the next game against South Korea.

In women's competition Tee Jing Yi and Lim Yin Fun were the survivors of the day. Tee beat Line Kjaersfeldt 21-17, 22-20 while Lim defeated Sandra-Maria Jensen 21-15, 14-21, 21-19.

"I was tense initially a bit in the first game, but the second set was much easier," she said.

Tee believes her performance has improved and hopes to remain consistent amid better confidence level.

The first doubles Woon Khe Wei/Vivian Hoo Kah Mun lost to Christinna Pedersen/Kamilia Rytter Juhl 17-21, 10-21, Yang Li Lian was beaten by Anna Thea Madsen 13-21, 21-15, 19-21 and Lee Meng Yean/Lim Yin Loo lost to Marie Roepke/Line Damkjaer Kruse 21-19, 16-21, 19-21.

The Women's team will meet Japan today.