WHEN everything else was falling apart for Malaysia, Liew Daren stepped up and gave some hope for the future as he was the only player to walk the talk against Denmark.
Daren was the player only a few people thought could deliver one point against Denmark as he was facing a formidable opponent in Jan Jorgensen, but the Malaysian showed nerves of steel and a fighting quality to secure a 21-15, 21-13 win which is probably the most important result although it didn't help Malaysia's cause.
Daren said he was under no pressure even after Lee Chong Wei conceded a walkover due to an injury against Peter Gade Christensen and in fact, all he was thinking about was to save Malaysia from a 3-0 defeat.
Daren started his Thomas Cup campaign as the third singles in the qualifying rounds in Macau in February but was promoted to second singles, above Hafiz Hashim, after a string of good results and will move up once again as the first singles as Chong Wei is not available for today's quarter-finals.
"I had no pressure. People always expected me to lose and I decided that I will focus on my match and win it for Malaysia. It became more important when we were 2-0 down but I was motivated," said Daren.
"It (the win) gives me a lot confidence but I have to build on that and keep doing better in the coming matches.
"It will get tougher as I will have to play in the first singles but I have no pressure. I am the underdog as I will playing opponents stronger than me.
"I know I will not be expected to win again but I will be prepared and battle against whoever I meet."
After yesterday's win, Daren feels his opponents will be giving him more attention but he will continue to keep a low profile and do his best when the time comes.
- Harian Metro
- Berita Harian
- Business Times
- My Gadget Planet
- Travelific
- Harum
- Eats
- Properties
- News Image Bank (NIB)
- New Economic Model
- NST Reviews
- NiEXUS
- Friends of Travel Times
- Property News
- NSTLIVE Archive
- Spell-It-Right