KUALA LUMPUR: National singles head coach Datuk Misbun Sidek has warned against complacency after the national squad were drawn today in a relatively easy group for the Asia Team Championships in Alor Star.
Malaysia have been drawn with Thailand, Myanmar and Taiwan in Group C of the Asian meet, which also serves as a qualifier for the Thomas Cup.
"We have a good chance with a draw like this but I want to make sure that our players do not take matters lightly. We need to learn from our past mistakes," said Misbun.
Misbun admitted that he is hoping Malaysia emerge group champions to avoid facing China, defending champions Indonesia and Japan in the last-eight.
"I hope so (emerge as group winners). We want to show a good performance and need to prepare well to achieve that.
"Thailand have already qualified as they are the hosts (of the Thomas Cup). We need to figure out a strategy to beat them."
The national team must finish in the top four to qualify for the Thomas Cup finals.
Group B comprises Japan, South Korea and Nepal while India and Indonesia should have no difficulty progressing from Group D which also features Philippines and Maldives.
Misbun yesterday hinted that he will maintain the same group of players he had previously listed for the tournament - Lee Chong Wei, Lee Zii Jia, Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin and Soong Joo Ven - despite a number of other players showing good performances at the Thailand and Malaysia Masters recently.
The doubles squad consist of Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong, Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani.
The national women's team have een drawn with Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines in Group Y.
Men’s category
Group A - China, Hong Kong, Singapore
Group B - Japan, South Korea, Nepal, Kazakhstan
Group C - Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar
Group D - Indonesia, India, Philippines, Maldives
Women’s category
Group W - Japan, India, Hong Kong
Group X - South Korea, Taiwan, Maldives
Group Y - Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines
Group Z - China, Indonesia, Singapore
Translated from Harian Metro