The most prestigious men’s team badminton competition returns May 8–15, 2022. The 2022 Thomas Cup now into its 32nd edition will kick off in Bangkok, Thailand where the top 16 nations will compete in the biennial event where Indonesia will be defending their crown.
The 2020 Thomas Cup only took place in Denmark between October 9 and October 17, 2021 – a lengthy postponement caused by the pandemic. Malaysia emerged from a competitive group containing Japan, England and Canada, advancing into quarter-finals before they were beaten by eventual winners Indonesia. The tournament served up a nail-biter between Japan’s then world No. 1 men’s singles player Kento Momota and Malaysia’s All England 2021 winner Lee Zii Jia. Ng Tze Yong also rose from relative obscurity to nearly upsetting Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie in their quarter-final encounter.
Everything about Malaysia’s participation in the 2022 Thomas Cup:
Malaysia qualified for the 2022 Thomas Cup by marching towards victory at this year’s Badminton Asia Team Championships. To prepare for the upcoming competition, BAM has organised a centralised training camp. 13 men have been enlisted, including Lee Zii Jia, Ng Tze Yong, and Tokyo Olympics bronze medallists Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik. Only a maximum of 12 names will be selected for the final squad, which must be submitted to the world governing body by April 22.
Malaysia are drawn into Group D, once more with Japan and England, as well as United States, after New Zealand withdrew.
A nine-time runners up, Malaysia are one of the most successful teams in the history of Thomas Cup, with five titles. However, the last triumph dates back to 1992. Japan were winners of the 2014 edition.
The final squad to spearhead Malaysia’s tilt at the 2022 Thomas Cup
THOMAS CUP 🇲🇾
Avg Age: 2️⃣5️⃣.0️⃣8️⃣
Skipper, Aaron will spearhead Malaysia’s challenge at the prestigious biennial tournament flanked by Zii Jia, experienced shuttlers Liew Daren, Ee Yi, Yew Sin alongside three newcomers; Tze Yong, Aidil Sholeh, Weijie.#TUC22#DemiMalaysia pic.twitter.com/JubAlZq9zp
— BAM (@BA_Malaysia) April 20, 2022
Malaysia’s schedule in the 2022 Thomas Cup group stage
#TUC22 Group Stage Schedule
📅 8-11 May
🏟 IMPACT Arena, Bangkok
📺 Court 1️⃣ & 2️⃣: Astro 802 & 815Ayuh semua kita berikan sokongan! 🇲🇾#DemiMalaysia#BadmintonMalaysia pic.twitter.com/NSKBYjUtwX
— BAM (@BA_Malaysia) May 7, 2022
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Hero and feature images: Adrian DENNIS / AFP
The post All the latest updates on Malaysia’s progress at the 2022 Thomas Cup appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Kuala Lumpur.
