The hosts Malaysians are looking forward to repeating their fame of the 1992 Thomas Cup victory at home by going through reigning champions China in the semifinals at Putra Stadium on Friday.
The last time that Malaysia crowned at the men's badminton team tournament was in 1992 when they edged out China in the semifinals before beating Indonesia in the final at home.
"We beat them 18 years ago, then it is also possible for us to make a second time now," said Rashid Sidek, the chief singles coach of Malaysia, who contributed the first point to the hosts by a surprising win over China's "Badminton King" Zhao Jianhua in the first singles clash in the 1992 edition.
Li Yongbo, head coach of the Chinese team now, partnered Tian Bingyi, the current national doubles coach, in that supreme semifinals, losing at the first doubles match.
"I am always regretting that I lost that point," said Li. "But now my boys are stronger and better than me, so I am confident that they can win the game, also for me in some way."
China, looking for their fourth straight title here just as 18 years ago, are probably in one of their best times with Olympic and world champion Lin Dan and youngster Chen Jin playing as the singles, added by 2006 All England champion Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng and Guo Zhendong/Xu Chen. And if necessary, veteran Bao Chunlai could be the man to seal the victory.
For the Malaysian side, it might be all depending on the world’s top-ranked single Lee Chong Wei and the world's No. 1 doubles Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong.
"Malaysia had a difficult trip to the semifinals, but that could be a profit instead. Moreover, they have the home advantage and also support from the local fans," said Li Yongbo.
"However, we are more balanced in the lineup and our players are all mentally prepared."
As for the first singles clash, Li kept cautious about the result.
"Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan are obviously the leading duo in men's singles," he said. "It won't be a surprise if Lin Dan loses the first point. We will prepare in two ways according to a win or loss."
Lin Dan, the former world No. 1, was defeated by Lee Chong Wei in the first singles match in the 2008 Thomas Cup semifinals where China finally edged out Malaysia 3-2 before they beat South Korea in the final to clinch the men's title for a third straight time.
双语阅读:回家的感觉真好
态度决定一切 Attitude Is Everything
精选英语美文阅读:饶孟侃《呼唤》
浪漫英文情书精选:I'll Be Waiting我会等你
美文欣赏:海边漫步
美文:爱的奇迹
英语美文:越长大越孤独(双语)
浪漫英文情书精选:Good Morning早上好
精选英语美文阅读:被忽略的爱 Helpless love
浪漫英文情书精选:Need You With Me需要你爱我
双语美文欣赏:孤独人生
浪漫英文情书精选:Is It Love?这是爱么?
精选英语散文欣赏:微笑挽救生命
浪漫英文情书精选:My Everything我的一切
英语晨读:忘忧树
英文《小王子》温情语录
最美的英文情诗:请允许我成为你的夏季
献给女性:如果生命可以重来
浪漫英文情书精选:Keep You Forever永远温存着你
浪漫英文情书精选:Don't Give Up不要放弃
精美散文:守护自己的天使
双语美文:I Wish I Could believe
英语美文:Keep on Singing
爱情英语十句
精选英语美文阅读:哪有一株忘忧草? (双语)
精美散文:让我们撩起生命的波纹
伤感美文:人生若只如初见
生命可以是一座玫瑰花园
精选英语美文阅读:你见或者不见我(中英对照)
精选英语散文欣赏:平等的爱
不限 |
英语教案 |
英语课件 |
英语试题 |
不限 |
不限 |
上册 |
下册 |
不限 |