KUALA LUMPUR: According to former international Chong Wei Feng, years of experience carry a lot of weight in a team event like the Thomas Cup.
Instead of playing down Malaysia's semi-final appearance at the recent world team championships, Wei Feng believes the BA of Malaysia (BAM) must continue working closely with the current batch of players so that they can peak in two years.
Wei Feng, a member of the side that reached the final 10 years ago in New Delhi, believes the existing singles players not only lack depth in their game compared to other top players but also in years of experience.
"When we compare strength to strength, yes, players like Viktor Axelsen (Denmark), Shi Yu Qi (China), or even Anders Antonsen are slightly ahead of players like Lee Zii Jia. However, it's important to note that these players are also slightly older than Zii Jia.
"While it may seem trivial, timing is crucial and can make a significant difference. Instead of criticising or comparing our players to those with more experience, I prefer to focus on working closely with them to enhance their abilities.
"That way, two years from now, they will be able to be real challengers," Wei Feng told Timesport on Monday.
On Saturday, Malaysia's impressive run at the Thomas Cup in Chengdu, ended in the last four, following a 3-1 defeat to host China.
China won their 11th title after defeating Indonesia 3-1 in the final.
Apart from 26-year-old Zii Jia, the other men's singles players in the squad were former Asian Junior champion Leong Jun Hao, who is 25, Cheam June Wei (27) and Justin Hoh (20).
"Axelsen is already 30, Yu Qi is 28, while Antonsen is 27. I say give our players some time to peak.
"Nonetheless, I think Malaysia did well to reach the semi-finals. Nobody had expected it.
"It was great because our doubles pair, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, also picked the right moment to peak. If they did not reach the Asian Championships final before the Thomas Cup, I don't think they would have the confidence," added Wei Feng.
Malaysia last won the Thomas Cup in 1992.
Reaching the semi-finals equals the team's achievement at the 2016 edition in Kunshan, China.