HORSENS (Denmark), April 30 — National men’s badminton squad players have been urged to make full use of their rest day to focus on breaking down China’s formidable challenge in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Thomas Cup here tomorrow.

Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) secretary-general Kenny Goh said all players entrusted with carrying the nation’s challenge at the Forum Horsens must play their respective roles to spring an upset against the defending champions.

“The singles and doubles players all must play their part.

“Today is also a rest day, so I hope the players can take this opportunity to plan their strategy against China,” he said when met after the knockout stage draw ceremony of the 2026 Thomas Cup here today.

Kenny also remained optimistic that Malaysia had a chance of advancing if the players displayed a strong fighting spirit against the 11-time champions.

On paper, China hold the advantage in the singles department, boasting world number one Shi Yu Qi, Li Shi Feng (world number eight), Weng Hong Yang (15th) and Lu Guang Zu (23rd).

However, Yu Qi’s status remains uncertain after he missed two Group A matches against Canada and 2022 champions India, reportedly due to illness.

Malaysia are expected to field their top players led by world number 25 Leong Jun Hao, followed by Justin Hoh (44th), while professional shuttler and former All England champion Lee Zii Jia (82nd) could be the team’s trump card if the tie is level at 2-2, following his impressive performances here.

Zii Jia has not disappointed, winning all his matches, including a shock victory over world number 20 Koki Watanabe 21-13, 21-19, despite Malaysia’s 2-3 loss to Japan in their final Group B tie yesterday.

Malaysia must also capitalise on their doubles strength to steal crucial points against China, namely through the 2022 world champions and world number two pair, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik; Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun (sixth); as well as professional duo Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (seventh).

China, meanwhile, will rely on world number five pair Liang Wei Keng-Wang Chang, Chen Bo Yang-Liu Yi (11th) and He Ji Ting-Ren Xiang Yu (99th).

Malaysia advanced to the quarter-finals as Group B runners-up, while China qualified as Group A champions.

The draw also presents Malaysia with an opportunity to avenge their 1-3 defeat to China in the semi-finals of the 2024 edition held in Chengdu.

Five-time champions Malaysia began their campaign with a narrow 3-2 win over England, followed by a 4-1 victory against Finland before falling 2-3 to Japan.

The 2026 Thomas Cup, which began on April 24, runs until May 3. — Bernama

HORSENS (Denmark), April 29 — All players in the national women’s badminton squad are prepared to face a challenging test against defending champions China in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Uber Cup at Forum Horsens tomorrow.

Team manager Datuk Chong Juong Chain believes the players fielded will fight with all their might to provide fierce competition against the most successful team in Uber Cup history, which holds 16 titles.

“What I can say at this moment is that our players are in ‘ready mode’ and ready to fight. Regardless of who the opponent is, whether it’s China or any other team, we still want to fight — that is what’s most important,” he told Bernama immediately after the knockout stage draw here today.

On paper, China holds the advantage in every aspect, boasting a lineup of world-class stars including world number two Wang Zhi Yi, Chen Yu Fei (No. 4), and Han Yue (No. 5), as well as the world number one doubles pair Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning.

Malaysia, competing without key player Pearly Tan due to a recent back injury, is led by her partner M. Thinaah while others include the young doubles pair ranked 143rd in the world, Low Zi Yu-Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan, and the nation’s top women’s singles player, K. Letshanaa (No. 33).

Zi Yu-Noraqilah could serve as the country’s secret weapon following their impressive performance so far, which included upsetting world number seven pair Rin Iwanaga-Kie Nakanishi 21-17, 12-21, 21-19 during the national team’s 1-4 loss to six-time champions Japan in their final Group B match last Monday.

Malaysia advanced to the quarter-finals as the runners-up of Group B, while China entered as the winners of Group A.

Only the top two teams from each group qualify for the quarter-finals.

This marks the first time in 16 years that Malaysia has reached the quarter-finals, having previously qualified only three times in 2004, 2008, and 2010.

The national squad opened their Group B campaign by defeating Turkiye 3-2, followed by a 5-0 sweep of South Africa, which confirmed their slot in the quarter-finals.

The 2026 Uber Cup competition, which began on April 24, is set to conclude on May 3. — Bernama