Singles shuttlers must step up to keep Asian Games podium dream alive

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia face a tough path to a podium finish in the men's badminton team event at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, with traditional rivals Indonesia standing in their way in the quarter-finals.

Malaysia are expected to cruise past Mongolia in tomorrow's round of 16 before setting up a clash with Indonesia, who received a bye into the last eight.

National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen acknowledged the difficulty of the draw, but views it as a chance to test his team's mettle.

"The men's team draw is tough, but at the same time very exciting. There is no question that we need to perform at our absolute best, believe in ourselves, and maintain a never-say-die attitude to do well in this tournament.

"The court conditions are as expected; the venue is great, but it will be interesting to see how the conditions play out once the competition gets underway," he said.

Indonesia hold the advantage on paper with a well-balanced squad led by world No. 1 singles shuttler Jonatan Christie and the world No. 2 doubles pair of Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri.

Malaysia will rely on their doubles department to deliver points through Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and Aaron Chia-Tee Kai Wun.

However, the national singles lineup, featuring Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh, Eogene Ewe, or Kong Wei Xiang, must secure at least one point to keep Malaysia's hopes of an upset alive.

A victory over Indonesia in the quarter-finals would guarantee Malaysia at least a bronze medal.

Malaysia last reached the podium in the men's team event at the 2014 Incheon edition, where a squad led by former world No. 1 Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei clinched bronze.

Malaysia have never won gold in the team event since its debut in 1962, with their best finishes being silver medals at Bangkok 1966 and Beijing 1990.