CHENGDU: Tenth-time champions, China are not mincing words ahead of their semi-final clash against Malaysia today in the Thomas Cup 2024, here.
While acknowledging the fact that Malaysia is a strong team, China’s second men’s doubles shuttler, Ren Xiang Yu said they exude confidence and are banking on the strong home support at the Chengdu High-Tech Zone Sports Centre to propel them to a victory.
“We are very confident to win the game tomorrow,” he told reporters when met at the mixed zone, here yesterday.
On Thursday, Xiang Yu and partner He Ji Ting delivered the winning point for his country when they saw off Dhruv Kapila-K. Sai Pratheek, 21-10, 21-10, to help China beat reigning champions, India, 3-1, in the quarter-finals.
The last four encounters between China and Malaysia since 2010 favoured the hosts, as they won all of the matches.
The last time the two teams met in the Thomas Cup was in 2012 in Wuhan, China, when the home side defeated the five-time champions, 3-0, in the last eight.
On the possible clash with Malaysia’s second doubles, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, Ji Ting described the current world number 15 duo as possessing a similar set of gameplay with them.
“They are very fast, have comprehensive strength and technique,” he said.
The Thomas Cup 2024 will conclude this Sunday. – BERNAMA
