Head-to-head solution

Former world No 1 Lee Chong Wei believes a closer head-to-head analysis can end all debate on who should be selected for the Thomas Cup in Bangkok next month.

The 40-year-old, who favours nobody in particular, believes the national men’s singles coaches, led by Wong Choong Hann, are capable and experienced enough to make the right call.

Earlier, Timesport raised a proposition for the BA of Malaysia (BAM) to consider veteran Liew Daren for the Thomas Cup.

The 35-year-old independent is not only ranked much higher than the rest of the national players but also far more experienced than them.

At the moment, only world No 7 Lee Zii Jia and world No 45 Ng Tze Yong have secured a place in the squad. The national body are only allowed to name 10 players for the men’s team meet, including doubles players.

“Yes, Timesport did have a fair report on Liew Daren making the team. Strategically, he could play second singles, and that can be good.

“However, he is not the most stable player out there right now. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against Daren.

“But would you really want to name Daren in the squad and deprive an up-and-coming youngster, who never got to play in as many tournaments due to the pandemic?

“I believe the coaches, led by Choong Hann, can end this debate soon. Just do a direct comparison of the players we have and the ones from other countries and their head-to-head records. I believe a decision can be made,” said Chong Wei.

The other BAM players being considered for the Thomas Cup are 2017 Asian junior champion Leong Jun Hao and Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin. They were part of the team that won the Asia Team Championships in Shah Alam in February.

Chong Wei, who recently revealed that he had been offered coaching positions by several Asian countries, admitted that Malaysia are in a very good position to end their 30-year wait for the Thomas Cup this year.

“Yes, we have a good draw and a good team of both national and professional players. We just need to make sure the team are well prepared for the challenge.

“No team can be considered a clear favourite anymore. As this is a team event, anything can happen too,” said Chong Wei, who inspired Malaysia to the 2014 final in New Delhi before losing 3-2 to Japan.

NST