Selangor: Malaysia’s Thomas Cup members have selected Daren Liew as their team captain. The team consists of Chong Wei Feng, Goh Soon Huat, Hoon Thien How-Tan Wee Kiong, Lim Khim Wah-Goh V Shem, Tan Boon Heong and Chan Peng Soon hoped this would be a major morale boost to Daren ahead of Thomas Cup Finals which will be held in New Delhi from May 18-25 .
Although Daren was surprised by the team’s decision, the 27-year-old Daren vowed play his best as team captain and the third singles.
“I didn’t expect this. I’ll do my best to ensure smooth communication between coaches and players,” said Daren.
Malaysia is drawn in Group C together with South Korea, Germany and India.
Daren has a good record against all third singles from all countries except China. He has beaten Indonesia’s Simon Santoso, Japan’s Takuma Euda, Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen and India’s R.M.V. Gurusaidutt.
“I pretty much know who I will play against, and I am in the process of understanding their game styles. My first Thomas Cup Finals in Wuhan two years ago gave me a lot of experience. After Chong Wei picked up his injury in Wuhan, I moved up and played first singles against Lin Dan in the quarter-final.” said Daren.
This year, if the game ties at 2-2, Daren will be the key player to deliver the win.
For the Uber Cup team, doubles shuttler Amelia Anscelly was selected as the team captain.