KUALA LUMPUR (13 MAY 2010) – China’s chief coach Li Yongbo had expected to meet Denmark in the semi-finals but he now finds himself having to deal with Malaysia, who staged a remarkable comeback to beat the Danes 3-2 yesterday.

“Malaysia had a difficult trip to the semis and they are also a tired lot. However, Malaysia will have the homeground advantage and also support from the home fans. They have the pyschological advantage,” said Yongbo.

The former Chinese doubles ace, however, did not want to release his team line-up for the semifinal match against Malaysia tomorrow evening.

“I will only decide on my team and match strategies later tonight,” he said.

Malaysia’s chief coach Rashid Sidek meanwhile wants his team to be fully focused on the match against China.

“Let us forget about the win over Denmark. Let us not get carried away by the 3-2 win over the Danes that earned us a place in the semi-finals,” said Rashid who is expected to maintain the same team that beat the odds for a place in the last four.

The Malaysians were given a day off today and were free to do anything until 6pm when they met former Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) patron Tun Dr Siti Hasmah, wife of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The close door meeting was held at the Palace of the Golden Horses – the official hotel for the PROTON-BWF Thomas-Uber Cup Finals.

Siti Hasmah has remained close with the national players and is always around to motivate them.

Meanwhile, Muhd Hafiz Hashim, who clinched Malaysia’s winning point for a 3-2 win by beating Denmark’s Joachim Persson 2112, 21-10 in the third singles, said: “I will give my best in whatever role I am given.” - Media 247