ENGLAND have just dropped out from their group, making life easier for Malaysia in the Thomas Cup Finals which start this Saturday in Aarhus, Denmark.
But BAM coaching director Wong Choong Hann doesn't see it that way. He is more concerned that the youngsters in the Malaysian team will get fewer playing opportunities.
Now, Malaysia will only need to beat Canada to advance to the Thomas Cup quarter-finals.
England's exit left only three teams
in Group D: Malaysia, 2014 champions Japan and Canada.
The top two teams will proceed to the next round. There will be no replacement for England.
Badminton England announced on their website on Monday: "Badminton England has today announced the withdrawal of the team which was scheduled to compete at the Thomas Cup in Denmark later this week owing to injuries to three of the four selected singles players.
"Injuries to the top-ranked players means that Badminton England is unable to field a competitive team and, therefore, have taken the difficult decision to withdraw from the tournament."
Choong Hann said it was a pity that England had to withdraw at the final hour.
However, he felt that England's pullout will not benefit Malaysia in the Thomas Cup as several young players may lose out on playing opportunities.
"That is the only disadvantage I can think of.
"We have some young players in the team for the Thomas Cup, and I had wanted to give them the chance to play.
"But that may not happen now, because we have to give our key players enough playing time as well, and we only have Canada to play apart from the big match against Japan.
"The coaching staff will discuss the best strategy moving forward."
Among the young players in the squad are Ng Tze Yong, Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin (both men's singles), and men's doubles Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun.
The Thomas and Uber Cup Finals were postponed twice last year after Covid-19 forced several top teams, including 13-time champions Indonesia, to pull out.