Diplomatic Yongbo plays down China’s favourite tag
News 1:11 PM
CHINA's chief coach Li Yongbo played down the favourite tag on his Thomas Cup squad after watching his charges whitewash Thailand 3-0 in the quarter-finals yesterday.
The defending champions, who take on Malaysia in the semi-finals tomorrow, have yet to drop a game, let alone a point, in all their three ties in the Finals thus far.
But the usually brash and controversial Yongbo was surprisingly humble and praised Malaysia for assembling a formidable squad to challenge for the Cup.
“I am impressed with Malaysia's line-up. They seem to have found the right balance of strength in both the singles and doubles. It would not be easy for China and we need to prepare well for the showdown,” he said.
Yongbo conceded that winning the Cup for the third successive time was no easy task for his players.
“We are just one of five favourites for the title,” he said.
“There is not much to separate the standard among China, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea and Denmark. I am not surprised with all the results thus far because the teams outside the Big Five have yet to bridge the gap in playing standard.”
Yongbo added that he was looking forward to a final between his team and Indonesia.
“Although I mentioned that all five teams are equally strong, Indonesia would prove to be interesting opponents because of their home ground advantage. They can depend on their fans to lift their game and this could be a telling factor in close contests.”
Yesterday, the tough contest expected in the opening match between Lin Dan and Boonsak Ponsana failed to materialise.
The world number one needed just 35 minutes to see off the top Thai player 21-15, 21-14.
World number two Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng was briefly troubled in the second game by Tesana Panvisavas-Nuttaphon Narkthong but still proved to be too good to lose.
They won 21-12, 21-17 in 27 minutes.
China wrapped up the tie through Bao Chunlai, who defeated Poompat Sapkulchananart 21-14, 21-11 in the second singles. The second Chinese of Xie Zhongbo-Guo Zhengdong and third singles player Chen Jin were not required to enter the court.
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 1:11 PM.
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