KUALA LUMPUR: National men's singles Lee Zii Jia believes Malaysia still hold the upper hand in Group C, despite Taiwan being tipped to be favourites at the Badminton Asia Team Championships in Alor Star next month.
According to the Kedah-born shuttler, playing on home soil would boost the spirits of the players to fight hard and help Malaysia earn automatic qualification for the Thomas Cup Finals in Bangkok in May.
“It's not an easy draw, but we hope to bring out our best for our home fans. Personally, Taiwan will be our biggest challenge in the group," said the 20-year-old today.
Apart from Taiwan, the other two countries in the group in the Asian meet, which is also a qualifier for the Thomas and Uber Cup, are Thailand and Myanmar.
Zii Jia is also on a mission to settle a score with Taiwan's Hsu Jen Hao, following the latter’s victory over the Malaysian in the second round of the New Zealand Open last year.
"I lost to him in our first meeting, and if I am fielded as the second men's singles, I want to beat him."
On Malaysia's tie against Thailand, Zii Jia predicts a tough encounter as well.
"Thailand have looked really promising as of late. I am ready to play either Suppanyu Avihingsanon or Khosit Phetpradab."
The other men's singles in the Malaysian squad for the Asian team championship are Lee Chong Wei, Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin and Soong Joo Ven.
Zii Jia's next assignment before the team leave for Kedah is the India Open next week, where he takes on China' Qiao Bin in the opening round.
Translated from Harian Metro