NEW DELHI - Malaysia once again have reached the final of the prestigious Thomas Cup badminton tournament, bringing cheer to its 30 million citizens of the possibility of the national team bringing back the coveted trophy.
"This is our best chance as China lost (in the semifinals)," national coach Rashid Sidek said.
"Japan created an euphoria by thrashing China 3-0 in the semifinals on Friday. This is the first time ever Japan are in the Thomas Cup final.
"Our strength compared with Japan is almost the same but they have upset China. I think we will have a tough fight. Hopefully, we can be there (win)," he told reporters here today.
Malaysia last reached the final in 2002 in Guangzhou, China but lost 2-3 to Indonesia.
Only three teams have laid their hands on the Thomas Cup - Malaysia, Indonesia and China. Malaysia have won the crown five times including thrice from 1949-1955.
Malaysia also boast of eight runner-up finishes. However, Malaysia haven't won the title since 1992, when the country hosted the tournament.
"The most crucial thing is that the players have to stay calm and focused,"said Rashid, a former Commonwealth and Thomas Cup gold medallist.
The national team in New Delhi this time around have displayed a sterling performance.
Malaysia's ace player, Datuk Lee Chong Wei obviously is the main pillar of the team, consistently delivering the first match point and much needed impetus to the team.
"Chong Wei plays a very important role. His momentum rubs off on the other players," Rashid said.
As for Chong Wei Feng, who delivered the winning point for Malaysia in their 3-0 victory over Indonesia and secured the country's berth in the final yesterday, Rashid said:"His performance is amazing."
"I never expected him to play this well."
Wei Feng, who is making his Thomas Cup debut, won all his matches en route to the final.
"Yes, this squad was seen as the weakest. But we are not thinking about all that, what we are focused now is on our preparation for tomorrow," Rashid added.
Wei Feng after his semi-final match yesterday, said: "No one believed that we would come thus far. But we are here and we will do our best for the country."
Rashid said the results delivered thus far spoke volumes about the team's preparation, having surpassed the Badminton Association of Malaysia's target of qualifying for the semifinals.
"The players are very excited, we have one more mission, that is to bring home the Thomas Cup," were his parting words in this interview. - BERNAMA
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