Jonassen sets sights on building Thomas Cup-winning team
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's abrupt exit from the Sudirman Cup may sting, but there were encouraging signs, particularly in the men's singles, that offer hope ahead of next year's Thomas Cup.
Malaysia Malaysia were swept 3-0 by hosts and favourites China in the quarter-finals in Xiamen, falling short of matching their semi-final finishes in 2021 (Vantaa) and 2023 (Suzhou).
While the narrow 3-2 group-stage defeat to Japan will linger — and prompt plenty of "what if" discussions — the team must treat it as a valuable lesson in tactical preparation.
There was a silver lining in the form of world No. 26 Leong Jun Hao, who stunned Japan's world No. 8 Kodai Naraoka and also beat France's Arnaud Merkle (No. 62), showing he can be a reliable back-up in the absence of world No. 9 Lee Zii Jia.
Rising star Justin Hoh, ranked No. 46, also impressed on his debut, winning his tie against Australia.
Zii Jia sat out the tournament due to an ankle injury but is expected to return for next year's Thomas Cup.
His comeback, along with the return of Ng Tze Yong, could give Malaysia a strong arsenal in the singles line-up.
National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen, who joined the BA of Malaysia (BAM) in January, revealed that next year's Thomas Cup has been top of his mind.
"It's been on my mind since January," said Jonassen.
"We have the potential to field a strong team, but our rivals are also improving.
"There's one year left to build something solid. In singles, we need to stay committed to the process if we want to be contenders."
The men's doubles, meanwhile, boast enviable depth, with three pairs ranked in the world's top 10 — No. 2 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, No. 4 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun.
The appointment of Indonesian legend Herry IP in February has given the doubles squad a boost, highlighted by Aaron-Wooi Yik's Badminton Asia Championships (BAC) title win last month.
National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky has never hidden his ambition of ending Malaysia's long wait for Thomas Cup glory, and with his vast experience — along with Herry's — and a wealth of talent in the ranks, the country may finally be in a position to challenge.
Malaysia last won the Thomas Cup in 1992 on home soil in Kuala Lumpur.
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