CHENGDU, April 27 – Denmark’s men’s second singles, Anders Antonsen hoped that his teammates won’t look down on Malaysia’s ‘threat’ ahead of their final Group D fixture on Tuesday.
Though Malaysia is fielding a ‘depleted’ men’s singles squad, Antonsen still expects Malaysia to give them a run for their money during the world’s most prestigious badminton team tournament in Chengdu High-Tech Zone Sports Centre.
“I really look forward to the tough fixture against Malaysia. I believe it’s going to be a fun match and we will do our best,” he told reporters in a post-match interview here, today.
Earlier, the newly-crowned 2024 European Championships winner had no problem to outplay Youcef Sabri Medel of Algeria, 21-13, 21-12 and helped his country to a 5-0 victory against the minnows from Africa during their first Group D match.
Malaysian men’s singles camp faced a setback in the Thomas Cup 2024 following the absence of 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medallist Ng Tze Yong due to delayed recovery from back surgery.
As a result, Malaysia turned to 2017 Asian Junior champion Leong Jun Hao, followed by Cheam June Wei and Justin Hoh in Chengdu.
However, Zii Jia, Jun Hao and Justin, ‘sounded’ early warning following their impressive display to help Malaysia recorded a convincing 5-0 victory against Hong Kong in the other Group D match.
Today’s results put Malaysia in favourable position to march to the last eight, provided they emerge victorious against Algeria tomorrow before taking on Denmark.
