No Lee Yong Dae in action in Thomas Cup!!

Korea gave everyone surprise when they did not field Lee Yong Dae for the coming Thomas Cup in May as Korea is more focus on the Guangzhou Asian Games. However, Lee Yong Dae's regular partner, Jung Jae Sung will be featured in the Thomas Cup. With the absence of Yong Dae, Korea's men doubles strength is weakened. However, their men's singles is further strengthen by the inclusion of former international singles player, Lee Hyun Il.

Korea is not the only country that called back retired players as Denmark also named coach and former player, Kenneth Jonassen for Thomas Cup. Meanwhile, Indonesia has included scratch pair Nova Widianto and Muhammad Ahsan in their team. Added with these surprise entry, Thomas Cup promises an interesting battle between badminton powerhouses to fight for the prestigious trophy.

Young shuttlers create history

Congrats to Goh Liu Ying/Chan Peng Soon for being the first Malaysians to win an international mix doubles title in the senior level. The young duo defeated more experience Yoo Yeon-seong/Kim Min-jung in the Asian Badminton Championship on Sunday. With this win, we can hope for a better future for Malaysia's mix doubles as they are still very young. 

Kudos also to Woon Khe Wei/Vivian Hoo though they did not win but entering the finals can be consider a good achievement considering they beat Indonesia's Greysia Polii/Meliana Jauhari and the tournament's 4th seed, Savitree/Vacharaporn en route to the finals.

As expected, Lin Dan won and will regain his status as the China's number 1 and will lead China in the Thomas Cup challenge as the first single. 

Can Malaysia win Thomas Cup?

The Thomas and Uber Cup will be held in Bukit Jalil from 9 - 16 May 2010. Can Malaysia win Thomas Cup this year? Being group with Japan and Nigeria, i think Malaysia should top the group. The chance will depend on the 2nd stage draw which will be conducted after the group stage.  As usual, we will depend on Lee Chong Wei as the first singles and Koo/Tan as the first doubles. Will the home ground support be an advantage to Malaysia or put more pressure. Let's see and hope Malaysia Boleh !!