Thomas Cup 2006 Semi Final Match Analysis

Malaysia will face Denmark in the Thomas Cup Semi final at 4pm Malaysian Time. The Danes are on a slight advantage to winning this tie as they have two strong doubles and a reliable single player(Peter Gade). Malaysia would try to steal a point from their double players and get at least two points from their singles in order to get through the finals.

Probable line up

Denmark
First single : Peter Gade
First double : Jens Eriksen and Martin Lundgaard
Second single : Kenneth Jonassen
Second double : Jonas Rasmussen and Lars Paaske
Third single : Joachim Persson

Malaysia
First single : Lee Chong Wei
First double : Chan Chong Ming and Koo Kien Keat
Second single : Mohd Hafiz Hashim
Second double : Chong Tan Fook and Lee Wan Wah
Third single : Kuan Beng Hong

The first single undoubtedly would be a tight affair with both players on top form. Peter Gade had recently beaten world number one Lin Dan in the new format system. Lee Chong Wei is seen as one of the players that could adapt quite well to the new game format system. Chong Wei won both of their previous meetings in the old game format. Chong Wei has the speed, skill and could fake his movement to deceive opponents. Peter Gade has the advantage over experience. The former world number one had been in the Denmark Thomas Cup team since 1998. Overall this would be a 50:50 match and it could be anyone's game.

Denmark's definitely has the strongest doubles in the tournament. With two-time All England Champion Jens Erikson and Martin Lundgaard on the first double, this point is almost in their hands. The Malaysian first double definitely had not been in their best form in this tournament. The young Kien Keat has been very emotional on the court and had directly affect his performance. This could be seen when they went down tamely to the Koreans in the quarter finals. The Malaysian need to reduce their unforced error if they want to give the Danes a good fight.

Yap Kim Hock initial plan to field Wong Choong Hann was ruined when the Malaysian skipper injured in the quarter finals. Hafiz would not be seen as reliable as Choong Hann to snatch this point. He is rather inconsistent. However, from his performance from previous round, we can have faith in Hafiz to beat Jonassen. This is a must-win match for Malaysia, if Hafiz lose this match the Danes would be on their way to the finals. Optimistic speaking, Hafiz would have a 70% chances of beating Jonassen.

The second double is also an evenly matched game. Former world champion Jonas Rasmussen and Lars Paaske would be a tough nut for Tan Fook-Wan Wah to crack. The Malaysian have a bitter memory with the danes in the All England Finals where they lost to Jens Eriksson and Martin Lundgaard after leading all the way to the second match. Right now they are meeting another world champion. Both pairs are very experienced and could handle any unexpected situation. Malaysian's fate would lie in Chong Tan Fook and Lee Wan Wah as this is the most crucial match that could determine the fate of both team. Denmark might be leading 2-1 before this two pairs go down to court. If the Malaysian manage to levelled the points, they have the better chance to qualify for the finals.

If the match go into the third singles, Malaysian would be favorites to go through. Though Hafiz might be a better choice to field in the third single, Malaysia is left with no choice with Choong Hann down to injury. However, Kuan Beng Hong still have the advanage over the young dane which has seldom participated in international tournaments.


Final Prediction
Malaysia beat Denmark 3-2