FANS can expect an explosive encounter between Lee Zii Jia-led Malaysia and Denmark on Tuesday as both former Thomas Cup champions eye the top spot in Group D.
Based on the rankings of respective players, Denmark hold an advantage. However, Malaysia could surprise the form book and upset the mighty Danes.
FIRST SINGLES
LEE ZII JIA (10) v VIKTOR AXELSEN (1)
Both teams will surely deploy their top players to secure the crucial first point, potentially shaping the tie's outcome.
Though Axelsen holds the advantage in ranking and past encounters, attention will be on Zii Jia to defy expectations, especially considering Axelsen's recent inconsistent form.
Axelsen battled hard to defeat Lee Cheuk Yiu in Denmark's 5-0 victory over Hong Kong yesterday (April 28).
Neutral fans eagerly anticipate this long-awaited rematch between the two stars, following their brief Sudirman Cup encounter cut short by Axelsen's hamstring injury.
Zii Jia has beaten Axelsen three times in their eight meetings, with his last victory being the epic final of the All England in 2021.
FIRST DOUBLES
AARON CHIA-SOH WOOI YIK (5) v KIM ASTRUP-ANDERS SKAARUP RASMUSSEN (4)
Malaysia will unlikely field a scratch combination for this match, especially considering Aaron-Wooi Yik's strong 6-3 record against Astrup-Rasmussen.
This is a crucial point for Malaysia to secure a victory in the tie and finish as Group D winners.
Astrup-Rasmussen's current performance doesn't match their success in the latter half of last year, where they won four World Tour titles and were World Championships runners-up.
After encountering some challenges earlier this year, the Danes regained stability by securing victory at the European Championships three weeks ago.
Still, Aaron-Wooi Yik appear to have the advantage.
SECOND SINGLES
LEONG JUN HAO (37) v ANDERS ANTONSEN (3)
Denmark will enter this match with confidence, especially with Antonsen, the recently crowned European champion, in top form.
Despite Jun Hao's remarkable win over Angus Ng on Saturday, facing Antonsen, who won the Malaysia Open in January, poses a different challenge altogether.
The odds are heavily against Jun Hao for another upset.
Antonsen underlined his prowess by convincingly defeating Angus in straight games yesterday (April 28).
However, Jun Hao has the potential to turn the tables on Antonsen, who may struggle to adapt to the playing style of an unfamiliar opponent, particularly considering this is their first meeting.
SECOND DOUBLES
GOH SZE FEI-NUR IZZUDDIN RUMSANI (15) v RASMUS KJAER-FREDERIK SOGAARD (18)
Sze Fei-Izzuddin must deliver at all costs, whether Malaysia leads 2-1 or trails 1-2 ahead of this second doubles match.
Interestingly, this will mark Sze Fei-Izzuddin's first encounter with Kjaer-Sogaard.
However, if Sze Fei-Izzuddin can replicate their recent form from the Asia Championships, there's no reason why they can't secure victory.
There's a possibility that Denmark might surprise by pairing Sogaard with Rasmussen to strengthen their chances in the second doubles.
Sogaard-Rasmussen won all three matches during Denmark's impressive run to the semi-finals in Bangkok two years ago, defeating South Korea, China, and India.
THIRD SINGLES
JUSTIN HOH (232) v RASMUS GEMKE (26)
If the tie is level at 2-2, Denmark will be in a favourable position to win.
Justin should get the nod over Cheam June Wei for the third singles duty, as he is set to face Gemke, the German Open runner-up, unless Denmark's lineup sees a surprise change.
Justin will be motivated by the rare opportunity to compete against a top-30 opponent, a regular on the World Tour, presenting him with more potential gains than losses.
Although winning is unlikely for Justin, delivering a spirited performance would suffice and benefit him in future matches.