M'sia Happy To Score Full Points Against Russia - Manager

By HAIKAL BANGKOK, May 21 (Bernama) -- The Thomas Cup national team manager Ng Chin Chai is pleased with the squad’s performance after a 5-0 trouncing of Russia in their first group match of the tournament. "We put forward our strongest lineup because we wanted full points and no surprises in the macth against Russia," he told reporters after the encounter at the Impact Arena here, Monday. He said the younger players like Lee Ji Zia (second singles) and Aaron Chia (second doubles) had contributed well to the team. Chin Chai also praised first choice national double’s pair Goh V Shem-Tan Wei Kiong for beating 2016 All England champions Vladimir Ivanov and Ivan Sozonov, 21-18, 21,19. "The win has boosted their spirit, as well as the team’s. It is very good for them," he said, adding that the national team is almost certain to qualify for the quarter-finals. On the final group stage match against Denmark on Wednesday, Chin Chai hoped the team could edge out a win to get a more favourable quarter-final draw. Meanwhile, badminton ace Lee Chong Wei said the national team did not take any match lightly, to ensure they finished 5-0. The rout, he added, had boosted the confidence of national players, especially ahead of a crucial match against Denmark. Chong Wei had easily won against Russia's Vladimir Melkov 21-9 and 21-6 in just 30 minutes to pick up the first point for the team. Meanwhile, Wei Kiong when met said all the players in the squad had worked hard to ensue victory. Malaysia will play against Algeria Tuesday, before rounding up the group stage against Denmark on Wednesday. -- BERNAMA