Sunday, 8 Dec 2024

BWF Sudirman Cup: Malaysia Aims for Quarter-Final Performance

The BWF Sudirman Cup 2013 draw has brought optimism to hosts Malaysia as they prepare to face Germany and Chinese Taipei in the opening round-robin stage of the competition. Coaches and players attending the proceedings have set their sights on a quarter-final or better performance in the World Mixed Team Championship, which will take place at the Putra Indoor Stadium in May.

Malaysia, the joint No. 3 seeds, have been placed in Group 1C, along with the European champions and Chinese Taipei. The tournament favorite and top seeds, China, will compete in Group 1A alongside Indonesia and India. Thailand, Korea, and Hong Kong make up Group 1B, while Denmark, Japan, and Singapore are in Group 1D.

Malaysia’s Head Singles Coach, Rashid Sidek, expressed his satisfaction with the draw, stating that Malaysia will strive to reach the quarter-finals. Tan Kim Her, Malaysia’s Head Doubles Coach, emphasized the importance of performing well in the Doubles matches to secure advancement from the group phase.

The Malaysian players, including Mixed Doubles players Goh Liu Ying and Chan Peng Soon, and Men’s Singles specialist Liew Daren, believe that playing in front of home fans will provide support rather than pressure. Goh Liu Ying mentioned that they expect more support from the fans.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  BWF News

China’s Head Coach Li Yongbo, on the other hand, remains nonchalant about the draw, asserting that it doesn’t matter who they play against, as they will do their best to defend their title.

In Group 2A, Russia, USA, Sweden, and Scotland will compete, while the Netherlands, France, Canada, and Austria will battle it out in Group 2B. Group 3A consists of Ukraine, New Zealand, Turkey, and Sri Lanka, and Group 3B includes Switzerland, Vietnam, Australia, and Lithuania.

Group 4, however, has only three teams: South Africa, Philippines, and Kazakhstan. In total, 31 teams will participate in this year’s Sudirman Cup.

For more information on the BWF Sudirman Cup 2013 draw, click here.

Text by Gayle Alleyne | BWF