WUHAN: Malaysia strolled past South Africa 5-0 in the opening Thomas Cup Group C match at the Wuhan Sports Complex Gymnasium here Monday.Datuk Lee Chong Wei put Malaysia on the winning path by beating Jacob Malieka 21-13, 21-10.
Though South Africa was not among the seeded teams, the first match of any tournament was important to get a feel of the competition and the venue.
"The first match can provide a good feel of the venue and conditions inside the stadium like the condition of the air-con and drift inside the stadium.
"This is vital in our preparations to face Denmark who are a tough opponent," Chong Wei told Malaysian reporters after the match.
With the first point secured, youngster Liew Daren came on court to win Malaysia's second point by beating Willem Viljoen 21-11, 21-9 while Muhammad Hafiz Hashim quickly wrapped up the winning point with a 21-10, 21-8 win over Prakash Vijayanath.
Doubles pair Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong also had an easy outing when they disposed Dorian Lance James/Willem Viljoen 21-8, 21-12 while Goh Wei Shem/Lim Khim Wah completed the rout by sweeping past Prakash Vijayanath/Jacob Malieka 21-11, 21-14.
Meanwhile, Chong Wei said he as the first singles and Kien Keat/Boon Heong as the first doubles, must contribute winning points against Denmark Tuesday.
"We are looking at a tough opponent in Denmark because they have good doubles players. We need to be very focused and play all out," he said.
Denmark, the third seed in the tournament, are expected to field world number five Peter Hoeg Gade, Jan O Jorgensen, Hans-Kristian Vittinghus in the singles and doubles ace Carsten Morgensen/Mathias Boe and Mads Conrad-Petersen/Jonas Rasmussen.
In the other tie of the early session, Germany looked good against the USA, rushing ahead to a quick 5-0 victory and sending the Americans, along with the South Africans, out of the Thomas Cup with two straight losses.
In the women's Uber Cup, traditional European powerhouse Denmark started well against the USA with Danish veteran and world number seven Tine Baun stepping out on court for just 24 minutes to whip Rena Wang in two games.
One of the best women players outside the Chinese orbit and with a fighting chance of a medal at the London Games, Baun's win marked a good day for Denmark as the inexperienced team won 4-1 in their first match in Wuhan.
"It's a young and talented team. The players will enjoy the atmosphere," the 32-year-old former number one said. "We have a small chance against Japan," she added in reference to their next Group D opponents.
On competing in what will be her last Olympics, Baun was tight-lipped: "Lets see about that."
In the other Uber Cup tie, Germany edged out the Australians 3-2 as they fielded a weakened side without their star player and world number eight Juliane Schenk.
The home crowd will be closely watching Indonesia's form later Monday, when the men step out on court for their tie against England. China is also in Group A and will play the Indonesians on Tuesday. - Bernama/AFP
