Malaysia and Japan play psychological games ahead of their Thomas Cup Group B decider, with both teams already through to the quarter-finals
BOTH Malaysia and Japan appear to be engaging in a subtle psychological battle ahead of their final Group B match in the Thomas Cup Finals 2026 at Forum Horsens, here, tomorrow.
With both sides already through to the quarter-finals, the crunch tie will determine who tops the group and carries momentum into the knockout rounds.
Despite Japan missing key doubles shuttler Yugo Kobayashi, national number one men’s doubles player Soh Wooi Yik believes the 2014 champions still hold the edge particularly their fighting spirit as key strengths.
“I think Japan have their own standards and their advantage is their fighting spirit. They are very strong and very confident in themselves,” he told Bernama.
Recent history in the prestigious tournament showed that 2014 champions Japan have struggled against Malaysia, suffering back-to-back defeats to the five-time champions in Bangkok 2022 and Chengdu 2024.
However, on paper, Japan appear stronger in the singles department, featuring world No. 9 Kodai Naraoka, world No. 20 Koki Watanabe and Yudai Okimoto (No. 37).
Malaysia, on the other hand, look less formidable in singles, with world No. 25 Leong Jun Hao leading the charge alongside Justin Hoh (world No. 44), Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin (No. 51) and professional shuttler Lee Zii Jia (world No. 82).
In contrast, Malaysia hold a stronger edge in the doubles department, spearheaded by 2022 world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, world No. 6 pair Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, as well as professional duo and world No. 7 duo Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani.
Recently, Japan suffered a major blow following the late withdrawal of Kobayashi due to injury, a factor that may affect their campaign as the tournament progresses.
Kobayashi was then replaced by Hiroki Midorikawa.
Other Japanese doubles players include Kobayashi’s partner, Takuro Hoki as well as world No.24 Kakeru Kumagai-Hiroki Nishi and world No. 30 Takumi Nomura-Yuichi Shimogami.
Meanwhile, the world No. 19 men’s singles player Yushi Tanaka said Malaysia will not be an easy target as they possess the quality to challenge them throughout the tie.
“Malaysia is a strong team, a good team, and we have to do whatever we can. Then we may have a good chance. So we’ll do everything to win,” he said.
While acknowledging that the absence of Kobayashi as a setback, Kumagai said it will be a good opportunity for the current squad to prove their depth.
“Even without him (Kobayashi) we can show what we can…we want to win,” he said.
Malaysia opened their Group B campaign by edging England 3-2 last Saturday followed by 4-1 win over Finland, yesterday.
Japan thrashed both England and Finland with an identical 5-0 scoreline.
