Kuala Lumpur: Tan Boon Heong, Hoon Thien How, Chong Wei Feng and Liew Daren who lost to their Japanese opponents in the Thomas Cup final, are ready to bounce back in the Japan Open that starts June 10.
In the Thomas Cup final, Tan Boon Heong-Hoon Thien How lost to Kenichi Hayakama/Hiroyuki Endo 21-12, 17-21, 19-21 of Japan after winning the first game. Wei Feng was tamed by 19-year-old Kento Momota, and Daren Liew was knocked off by Takuma Ueda in heartbreaking fashion as Malaysia lost to Japan 3-2.
However, hope is not lost for the Malaysian to bounce back and reclaim their rightful position in the sport of badminton.
“It’s just tough losing like that in Thomas Cup final, I was not at my best when playing against Momota. I want to go out there in upcoming tournaments to prove to myself and to everyone that it’s totally possible to bounce back after the Thomas Cup lost,” said Wei Feng.
Wei Feng will play Son Wan-ho of South Korea in the first round of Japan Open. Should he be able to make it to the second round, he will have to try his luck against Lin Dan of China.
On the other hand, Daren Liew will start the Japan Open tourney from the qualifying round, he will play France’s Thomas Rouxel in the first qualifying round and will face “Super Dan” – Lin Dan of China for a spot in the main draw.
“Although I lost in the final, but I think that was my best performance in Thomas Cup. I will not be haunted by the defeat!” said Daren.
If everything works out accordingly, we should expect another Lee Chong Wei vs Lin Dan showdown in the Japan Open final.
