Badminton News Four Thomas Cup Slots Up for grabs

Badminton News Four Thomas Cup Slots Up for Fighting. BA Malaysia (BAM) could make last-minute changes to their Hanoi Sea Games squad if it means sending the best line-up to Bangkok for next month’s Thomas Cup. Since each country is allowed to register 12 players for the Thomas Cup, national bodies may consider adding more options to their squad by naming the players originally registered for the Sea Games. Previously, BAM selected Lim Chong King, Jacky Kok, Justin Hoh, and Lee Shun Yang as the four men’s singles players for Vietnam duty.

With only world number 7 players, Lee Zii Jia and Ng Tze Yong confirmed for the Thomas Cup squad. BAM coaching director Rexy Mainaky has confirmed that Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik, Ong Yew Sin/Teo Ee Yi, and Goh Sze Fei/Nur Izzuddin Rumsani will play in the Thomas Cup, meaning there are still four more spots up for grabs. National men’s singles coach Hendrawan said BAM did not rule out appointing more professional players such as Liew Daren or Cheam June Wei for the Thomas Cup.

Malaysia Aims To Top The Group

“To this day, we are still waiting to finalize our lineup. Wong Choong Hann (single coaching director) and Rexy will be doing it soon. Whatever the decision, rest assured that we will send our best team for the Thomas Cup. If we look at our previous Thomas Cup squad and the team that won the Asian Teams Championship in February. We have three strong singles players and some young players too. I can’t say for sure as to whether there might have been some last-minute changes to the Sea Games squad. But I believe we can still do it,” said Hendrawan.

The Indonesian showed it was important to have more options in the squad, as Malaysia aimed to top their group in Bangkok. Malaysia is in Group D for the Thomas Cup with 2014 champions Japan, England, and New Zealand.

“Based on our previous experience, we all know how important it is to win the group. If we can top the group, then we will be seeded to advance to the quarter-finals. So it’s always good to have more options in our squad. It doesn’t matter if these players are our own players or professionals. If they make a team, then they have to use it to prove themselves. Teams must register their Thomas Cup team before 22 April.

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