Glasgow: Team Malaysia will be an overwhelming favorite to repeat its 2010 success in New Delhi and continue its reign as Commonwealth Games champion in badminton mixed team event despite the absence of Lee Chong Wei and Koo Kien Keat.
At the New Delhi Games four years ago, Malaysia won gold for the mixed team event, struck mixed doubles gold through Koo Kien Keat-Chin Eei Hui, and also captured gold in the men’s singles by Lee Chong Wei and men’s doubles through Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong.
Team Malaysia will play Barbados in the opening round of mixed team event at Emirates Arena in Glasgow on Thursday, followed by the second match against Sri Lanka on Saturday. Malaysia should be reasonably expected to reach the final to face off against one of these three opponents – second seeds England, India, or Singapore.
If things go according to plan, Malaysia and England will receive a bye into the semi-finals, while other group champions will have to await their opponents on the battlefield in quarter-finals.
Malaysia’s national coach Rashid Sidek wanted the team to play together and maximize their odds at winning the gold.
“We can’t rely on Chong Wei forever. This is the best opportunity for our younger players to taking over more of the responsibilities moving forward,” said Rashid.
“I hope players like Wei Feng, Daren Liew, Tan Wee-Kiong and Goh V-Shem could put in another superb performance like they did in the Thomas Cup Finals,” added Rashid.
Here are the rosters for the Malaysia mixed team squad:
Chong Wei Feng, Liew Daren, Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong, Tee Jing Yi, Woon Khe Wei-Vivian Hoo, Chan Peng Soon-Lai Pei Jing and Lim Yin Loo.
