Not Disheartened about Thomas Cup Failure, Says Head Coach

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, May 17, 2002

Not Disheartened about Thomas Cup Failure, Says Head Coach

Chinese badminton head coach Li Yongbo said they were not disheartened of their unexpected loss to Malaysia in a tense semi-final of the Thomas Cup team tournament Thursday in Guangzhou.

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Chinese badminton head coach Li Yongbo said they were not disheartened of their unexpected loss to Malaysia in a tense semi-final of the Thomas Cup team tournament Thursday in Guangzhou.

"All our players did quite well, overcoming nervesness and pressure. Their high spirits were especially worth of praise," Li said.

"We are not disheartened and we're determined to come back in the Asian Games."

In quest for their first Thomas Cup glory since 1990, China fielded a rookie-filled squad which gave way to a equally young team from Malaysia. It was Hashim Muhd Hafiz, who came from behind to stun Bao Chunlai in a five-game thriller in the second singles, which denied the Chinese any chance of winning the tie. Malaysians won the tie 3-2.

Li praised the 19-year-old newcomer for his courage, but still felt sorry of the defeat, which saw Hafiz claw back from 1-6 and 1- 5 in the third and final games before winning the match 1-7, 7-4, 8-7, 1-7, 7-5.

"In general, Bao had played to his form in the competition but he failed to capitalize numerous chances after initial leads. It was a pity that he failed to convert the advantage to victory."

"I hope the loss will help him earn more and grow faster," he added.

The makeshift but determined doubles duet Zhang Jun and Chen Qiqiou played an aggressive game. They jumped to a good start against Lee Wan Wah and Choong Tan Fook, taking a 2-0 lead. But the more experienced Malaysian pair responded forcefully to beat the Chinese 3-2 and sealed the victory for the visitors.

Li blamed the Chinese duet's failure to the shortage of coordination. "Zhang and Chen made some minor mistakes but, considering the fact that they had been paired up only for the second time, they did a good job."

In the other doubles tie, Zhang Jun and Wang Wei were soon nailed down 4-7, 5-7, 2-7.

China's world number one Xia Xuanze, who had played a key role by cruising past all his opponents at the three group competitions, won a sole point for the hosts, with a 6-8, 8-6, 7-5, 8-6 victory over Wang Choon Hann in the opening singles.

Li said they would continue to try their best and make a fresh start. "We are to study more and train more, mending the weakness in the doubles and starting all over again. Let's see what will happen two years later," Li added.

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