Jonassen reminds shuttlers to 'stay on their toes' against depleted France
KUALA LUMPUR: National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen has urged his players to stay humble and avoid complacency when they face a weakened French side in their opening Sudirman Cup tie in Xiamen on Monday (April 28).
Jonassen is wary of players easing off against under-strength opposition and stressed the importance of staying sharp as Malaysia look to make a strong start in Group C, which also includes Japan and Australia.
France, surprisingly, have left out several key names, including newly crowned European champion and world No. 10 Alex Lanier, as well as world No. 20 Toma Junior Popov, whom the former beat in the men's singles final on April 13.
Also missing is Toma's brother Christo, whom he won the European men's doubles title with in an all-French final against Eloi Adam-Leo Rossi earlier this month.
Adam-Rossi along with world No. 10 Thom Gicquel-Delphine Delrue (mixed doubles), and women's doubles Margot Lambert-Anne Tran, who won the European title last year, are also not in the French squad.
Had France sent their full-strength squad, they could have posed a real threat to Malaysia's hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals.
But Jonassen has warned his charges not to get carried away by the absentees.
"Playing in a team event is about staying humble, having belief and showing respect to all opponents," said Jonassen at the Xiamen Olympic Sports Centre on Friday.
"The key is to remain focused ahead of the opening tie. The players must not take anything for granted. They need to stay alert and be ready for any surprises against France."
Jonassen was also pleased with the team's first training session at the tournament venue.
"We learned a lot about the main hall from our first hit-out. We'll have individualised sessions to get the intensity back up," he said.
"Specific preparation for our first match against France will begin tomorrow (Saturday)."
The pivotal clash could be in the men's singles, where world No. 26 Leong Jun Hao is expected to face France's top-ranked player in Xiamen, world No. 62 Arnaud Merkle.
Jun Hao narrowly edged Merkle in three games in their only previous meeting at the 2023 Arctic Open.
Jonassen's steady hand will be crucial in guiding the Malaysians to a confident start and setting the tone for a smooth campaign in Xiamen.
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