BANGKOK: National men's singles coach Misbun Sidek has urged his shuttlers to show no fear when they face Denmark in their final Group D tie on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Malaysia, as expected, thrashed Algeria 5-0 to book their quarter-final spot.
On paper, Denmark, boasting the likes of reigning world champion and World No 1 Viktor Axelsen, Anders Antonsen, Hans-Kristian Solberg Vittinghus and Jan Jorgensen in the singles, are favourites to top the group.
Misbun, however, does not want his shuttlers to show any fear, but instead take them on bravely.
"Ideally, we want all three points in the singles against Denmark, but we must be wary. They are the defending champions. The confidence level will not be the same, as they have won the Cup before," said Misbun, who didn't want to reveal too much on the possible lineup.
However, Lee Chong Wei is certain to play in the first singles against Axelsen on Wednesday.
On how important is it to win the first match, Misbun said: "Very important. Winning the first point will set the tone for the remainder of the tie.
"I urge the players to challenge them (Danish shuttlers). Challenge them to a one-on-one, and I don't mean a fight, but do not fear them.
"Axelsen has just returned from an injury, so I'm sure he has his doubts, when going up against Chong Wei. We have to capitalise on that,” he noted.
Since the 2016 Thomas Cup in Kunshan, China, Chong Wei has not beaten the Dane in their last three meetings with the last defeat being at the BWF World Super Series Finals in Dubai in December.
The other singles match-up in the highly anticipated tie on Wednesday could see Lee Zii Jia play Antonsen, while Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin will take on Vittinghus or Jorgensen.
Meanwhile, Misbun clarified that his personal assistant Norkamal Ahmad does not interfere in coaching the national players although he is always seen with the head coach by court side.
"Kamal is my personal assistant. He is there beside me because I am no longer young, and I tend to forget things. He reminds me and keeps me in check.
"This has been agreed upon with the president (Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria) as well as with the coaches. Kamal does not instruct or pass any input to the players, I do that.
“He is only there to assist me, let me clarify that as many have been asking," said Misbun, who confirmed that it was Chong Wei's personal request to have Hendrawan sit by court side during his matches.