'United' Malaysia can reach Sudirman Cup final, says ex-world No. 1
KUALA LUMPUR: Former world No. 1 Roslin Hashim believes the national badminton team have the quality and pedigree to reach their first-ever Sudirman Cup final in Xiamen, China.
Malaysia, drawn in Group C, open their campaign against France on Monday, with Japan and minnows Australia completing the pool. The top two teams will qualify for the quarter-finals.
"Reaching the semi-finals should not be a problem. The national shuttlers have been performing well since the start of the season," said Roslin.
"With that form, it's not impossible to make the final.
"However, the real concern lies in the singles. Goh Jin Wei is unpredictable, but if she can secure a point, it could tip the balance in our favour."
Roslin is confident in Malaysia's strength across the doubles events.
"Our men's doubles pairs are solid, while Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah are strong in the women's doubles.
"Previously, we lacked strength in mixed doubles, but now we have Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai and Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, both ranked in the world's top 10."
The BA of Malaysia (BAM) have named a 20-player squad, featuring Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh, Jin Wei, K. Letshanaa, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, Pearly-Thinaah, Go Pei Kee-Carmen Ting, Soon Huat-Shevon, Tang Jie-Ee Wei and Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin.
Malaysia's best Sudirman Cup results came in 2009 (Guangzhou), 2021 (Vantaa), and 2023 (Suzhou), where they reached the semi-finals.
Roslin stressed that preparation and unity will be key if Malaysia are to go one step further this time.
"We had a strong team in Suzhou with Lee Zii Jia, Aaron-Wooi Yik and Pearly-Thinaah, but something was missing and we only made the semis.
"Building strong team spirit, especially between national and professional players, will make a difference.
"I was a professional once, but when called up to training camp, we always focused on creating a sense of unity and playing as one for the nation."
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