Yongbo: We can overcome young Koreans
News 10:05 AM
IT IS billed as an early blockbuster tie of the Thomas Cup Finals and title holders China are confident they will prevail over South Korea today.
The final tie in Group A is also a repeat of the last Thomas Cup final in Jakarta, which ended with China beating South Korea 3-0.
The Koreans are without their doubles star, Lee Yong-dae, this time and China's chief coach Li Yongbo said that it had in a way weakened their rivals' chances.
China breezed through for a 5-0 win over Peru on Sunday and South Korea opened their campaign yesterday by beating the South American by a similar margin.
“I don't think South Korea have the team to challenge for the championship this time,” said Yongbo.
“They have a relatively younger set of players with the exception of Lee Hyun-il. One of their top doubles player, Yong-dae, is not playing and his absence will be felt as he is a big influence on the team.
“We still cannot take South Korea lightly as they have good fighting spirit. But I believe China should still be able to win this tie.”
Yongbo did not give hints on his line-up for the tie but China are expected to be at full strength.
Besides Olympic champion Lin Dan, Chen Jin and Bao Chunlai, China also have their world and Asian junior champion Chen Long on standby for the singles. Chen Long was fielded in the tie against Peru.
World champions Fu Haifeng-Cai Yun are expected to play their first match in the Finals today while Guo Zhengdong-Xu Chen should feature in the second doubles match.
The final tie in Group A is also a repeat of the last Thomas Cup final in Jakarta, which ended with China beating South Korea 3-0.
The Koreans are without their doubles star, Lee Yong-dae, this time and China's chief coach Li Yongbo said that it had in a way weakened their rivals' chances.
China breezed through for a 5-0 win over Peru on Sunday and South Korea opened their campaign yesterday by beating the South American by a similar margin.
“I don't think South Korea have the team to challenge for the championship this time,” said Yongbo.
“They have a relatively younger set of players with the exception of Lee Hyun-il. One of their top doubles player, Yong-dae, is not playing and his absence will be felt as he is a big influence on the team.
“We still cannot take South Korea lightly as they have good fighting spirit. But I believe China should still be able to win this tie.”
Yongbo did not give hints on his line-up for the tie but China are expected to be at full strength.
Besides Olympic champion Lin Dan, Chen Jin and Bao Chunlai, China also have their world and Asian junior champion Chen Long on standby for the singles. Chen Long was fielded in the tie against Peru.
World champions Fu Haifeng-Cai Yun are expected to play their first match in the Finals today while Guo Zhengdong-Xu Chen should feature in the second doubles match.
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 10:05 AM.
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