KUALA LUMPUR (14 MAY 2010) – Malaysia’s chief coach Rashid Sidek drove home a firm message that they will need to make drastic changes and 'expose the juniors more to take over the seniors' if Malaysia wants to win the Thomas Cup again in the future.
Speaking at press conference after Malaysia were crushed 3-0 by defending champions China in the semi-finals tonight, Rashid said: “whether we like it or not, we will have to make some drastic changes and bring in our youngsters. The changes need to be made fast.
“We will conduct a post mortem on our performance in the Thomas Cup. No doubt we lost to a better team but we lack in many departments. We had a solid preparations but China were the better side. The Chinese are fully focussed on winning the Thomas Cup.
“China did not compete in many international tournaments as they were preparing for this Thomas Cup. Lin Dan did not perform well in the All England and the Swiss Open but look at him at the Thomas Cup.
“What was seen of him and the other Chinese players is totally different.”
Rashid also hit home that the Chinese are not the least bothered of the world rankings.
