Saturday, April 29, 2006
Malaysian camp laugh off Chinese claims
TheStar
DEFENDING champions China are admittedly the overwhelming favourites for the Thomas Cup, but they can be a bit arrogant as well.
China's chief coach Li Yongbo has told a Chinese on-line daily that Malaysia cannot beat Denmark if the two were to meet in the semi-finals.
He was reported as saying that national number one Lee Chong Wei would not be able to topple Denmark's top star Peter Gade-Christensen while the Malaysian doubles players could not match the formidable Danish doubles pairs.
On paper, second seeds Malaysia could face third seeds Denmark in the semi-finals. Before that, though, they will have to beat South Korea or Indonesia in the quarter-finals.
Rather than being upset about Yongbo's claims, national chief coach Yap Kim Hock laughed it off, saying that China's actions showed that they were worried.
“If they predict a China-Denmark final, why did they record Malaysia's opening tie – all five matches – against United States yesterday (on Friday). Are they expecting to cross paths with the United States?” asked Kim Hock.
“Why did their singles and doubles coaches turn up at our training session?
“But it is China's opinion and we respect that. And we agree that Denmark have a very strong team. We will not let this affect us.”
While Kim Hock brushed off the matter, national singles coach Misbun Sidek felt that China's statement could be interpreted in two ways.
“They are either underestimating Malaysia or they are taking great interest in us. Maybe they are trying to psyche us. It may break us or it may make us go all out to prove them wrong. Let's wait and see,” said Misbun.
Yongbo, however, claimed later that he had not spoken to any member of the media on the issue of Denmark having the upper hand over Malaysia. He said all top five teams – China, Malaysia, Denmark, Indonesia and South Korea – have an equal chance of winning.
DEFENDING champions China are admittedly the overwhelming favourites for the Thomas Cup, but they can be a bit arrogant as well.
China's chief coach Li Yongbo has told a Chinese on-line daily that Malaysia cannot beat Denmark if the two were to meet in the semi-finals.
He was reported as saying that national number one Lee Chong Wei would not be able to topple Denmark's top star Peter Gade-Christensen while the Malaysian doubles players could not match the formidable Danish doubles pairs.
On paper, second seeds Malaysia could face third seeds Denmark in the semi-finals. Before that, though, they will have to beat South Korea or Indonesia in the quarter-finals.
Rather than being upset about Yongbo's claims, national chief coach Yap Kim Hock laughed it off, saying that China's actions showed that they were worried.
“If they predict a China-Denmark final, why did they record Malaysia's opening tie – all five matches – against United States yesterday (on Friday). Are they expecting to cross paths with the United States?” asked Kim Hock.
“Why did their singles and doubles coaches turn up at our training session?
“But it is China's opinion and we respect that. And we agree that Denmark have a very strong team. We will not let this affect us.”
While Kim Hock brushed off the matter, national singles coach Misbun Sidek felt that China's statement could be interpreted in two ways.
“They are either underestimating Malaysia or they are taking great interest in us. Maybe they are trying to psyche us. It may break us or it may make us go all out to prove them wrong. Let's wait and see,” said Misbun.
Yongbo, however, claimed later that he had not spoken to any member of the media on the issue of Denmark having the upper hand over Malaysia. He said all top five teams – China, Malaysia, Denmark, Indonesia and South Korea – have an equal chance of winning.
Malaysia Team
Friday, April 28, 2006
Thomas Uber Cup - Day 1
RESULTS
THOMAS CUP
Group A: China bt India 5-0
Lin Dan bt Chetan Anand 21-8, 21-23, 21-11
Chen Jin bt Anup Sridhar 21-14, 21-10
Xia Xuanze bt Arvind Bhat 21-15, 21-10
Fu Haifeng-Cai Yun bt Kumar Rupesh-V. Diju 21-5, 21-16
Zheng Bo-Guo Zhengdong bt Thomas Kurian-P. Jaseel Ismail 21-6, 21-10
Group B: South Korea bt New Zealand 5-0
Lee Hyun-il bt John Moody 21-16, 21-13
Shon Seung-mo bt Henry Tam 21-10, 21-7
Park Sung-hwan bt Craig Cooper 21-10, 21-7
Hwang Ji-man-Han Sang-hoon bt Daniel A. Shirley-Craig Cooper 21-12, 21-16
Jung Jae-sung-Lee Yong-dae bt John Moody-Henry Tam 21-9, 21-6
Group C: Denmark bt South Africa 5-0
Peter Gade-Christensen bt Christoffel Dednam 21-6, 21-9
Niels Christian Kaldau bt Roelof Dednam 21-5, 21-12
Joachim Persson bt Willem Viljoen 21-7, 21-12
Christoffel Dednam-Roelof Dednam bt Jens Eriksen-Martin Lundgaard Hansen 21-12, 21-13
Mathias Boe-Carsten Morgensen bt Dorian James-Willem Viljoen 21-5, 21-11
Group D: Malaysia bt USA 5-0
Lee Chong Wei bt Raju Rai 21-9, 21-11
Wong Choong Hann bt Eric Go 21-14, 21-9
Mohd Hafiz Hashim bt Howard Shu 21-3,21-7
Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah bt Tony Gunawan-Bob Khan Malaythong 23-21, 22-24, 21-17
Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong bt Eric Go-Ronald Sou 21-8, 21-7
UBER CUP
Group W: China bt USA 5-0
Zhang Ning bt Eva Lee 21-5, 21-10
Xie Xingfang bt Jamie Subandhi 21-9, 21-5
Lu Lan bt Rulan Yeh 21-6, 21-4
Gao Ling-Huang Sui bt Eva Lee-Mangkalakiri 21-3, 21-7
Du Jing-Yu Yang bt Jennifer Coleman-Lauren Todt 21-3, 21-4)
Group X: Hong Kong bt Holland 3-2
Wang Chen bt Judith Meulendijks 21-15, 21-5
Yip Pui Yin bt Rachel van Cutsen 20-22, 21-16, 21-17
Wong Sin Yee lost to Karina de Wit 12-21, 15-21
Chau Hoi Wah-Louisa Koon Wai Chee bt Paulien van Doormalen-Rachel van Cutsen 21-15, 21-13
Wang Chen-Yip Pui Yin bt Karina de Wit-Judith Meulendijks 16-21, 21-17, 18-21)
Group Y: South Korea bt Singapore 4-1
Hwang Hye-youn lost to Li Li 16-21, 17-21
Lee Yun-hwa bt Xing Aiying 21-15, 21-13
Jun Jae-youn bt Jiang Yanmei 13-21, 21-16, 21-11
Lee Kyung-won-Lee Hyo-jung bt Jiang Yanmei-Li Yujia 21-19, 21-17
Hwang Yu-mi-Ha Jung-eun bt Frances Liu Fan-Shinta Mulia Sari 21-10, 21-10
Group Z: Japan bt South Africa 5-0
Kaori Mori bt Michelle Edwards 21-4, 21-8
Eriko Hirose bt Kerry-Lee Harrington 21-4, 21-1
Kanako Yonekura bt Stacey Doubell 21-6, 21-4;
Kumiko Ogura-Reiko Shiota bt Michelle Edwards-Jade Morgan 21-4, 21-6
Tomomi Matsuda-Aki Akao bt Kerry-Lee Harrington-Stacey Doubell 21-7, 21-5
THOMAS CUP
Group A: China bt India 5-0
Lin Dan bt Chetan Anand 21-8, 21-23, 21-11
Chen Jin bt Anup Sridhar 21-14, 21-10
Xia Xuanze bt Arvind Bhat 21-15, 21-10
Fu Haifeng-Cai Yun bt Kumar Rupesh-V. Diju 21-5, 21-16
Zheng Bo-Guo Zhengdong bt Thomas Kurian-P. Jaseel Ismail 21-6, 21-10
Group B: South Korea bt New Zealand 5-0
Lee Hyun-il bt John Moody 21-16, 21-13
Shon Seung-mo bt Henry Tam 21-10, 21-7
Park Sung-hwan bt Craig Cooper 21-10, 21-7
Hwang Ji-man-Han Sang-hoon bt Daniel A. Shirley-Craig Cooper 21-12, 21-16
Jung Jae-sung-Lee Yong-dae bt John Moody-Henry Tam 21-9, 21-6
Group C: Denmark bt South Africa 5-0
Peter Gade-Christensen bt Christoffel Dednam 21-6, 21-9
Niels Christian Kaldau bt Roelof Dednam 21-5, 21-12
Joachim Persson bt Willem Viljoen 21-7, 21-12
Christoffel Dednam-Roelof Dednam bt Jens Eriksen-Martin Lundgaard Hansen 21-12, 21-13
Mathias Boe-Carsten Morgensen bt Dorian James-Willem Viljoen 21-5, 21-11
Group D: Malaysia bt USA 5-0
Lee Chong Wei bt Raju Rai 21-9, 21-11
Wong Choong Hann bt Eric Go 21-14, 21-9
Mohd Hafiz Hashim bt Howard Shu 21-3,21-7
Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah bt Tony Gunawan-Bob Khan Malaythong 23-21, 22-24, 21-17
Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong bt Eric Go-Ronald Sou 21-8, 21-7
UBER CUP
Group W: China bt USA 5-0
Zhang Ning bt Eva Lee 21-5, 21-10
Xie Xingfang bt Jamie Subandhi 21-9, 21-5
Lu Lan bt Rulan Yeh 21-6, 21-4
Gao Ling-Huang Sui bt Eva Lee-Mangkalakiri 21-3, 21-7
Du Jing-Yu Yang bt Jennifer Coleman-Lauren Todt 21-3, 21-4)
Group X: Hong Kong bt Holland 3-2
Wang Chen bt Judith Meulendijks 21-15, 21-5
Yip Pui Yin bt Rachel van Cutsen 20-22, 21-16, 21-17
Wong Sin Yee lost to Karina de Wit 12-21, 15-21
Chau Hoi Wah-Louisa Koon Wai Chee bt Paulien van Doormalen-Rachel van Cutsen 21-15, 21-13
Wang Chen-Yip Pui Yin bt Karina de Wit-Judith Meulendijks 16-21, 21-17, 18-21)
Group Y: South Korea bt Singapore 4-1
Hwang Hye-youn lost to Li Li 16-21, 17-21
Lee Yun-hwa bt Xing Aiying 21-15, 21-13
Jun Jae-youn bt Jiang Yanmei 13-21, 21-16, 21-11
Lee Kyung-won-Lee Hyo-jung bt Jiang Yanmei-Li Yujia 21-19, 21-17
Hwang Yu-mi-Ha Jung-eun bt Frances Liu Fan-Shinta Mulia Sari 21-10, 21-10
Group Z: Japan bt South Africa 5-0
Kaori Mori bt Michelle Edwards 21-4, 21-8
Eriko Hirose bt Kerry-Lee Harrington 21-4, 21-1
Kanako Yonekura bt Stacey Doubell 21-6, 21-4;
Kumiko Ogura-Reiko Shiota bt Michelle Edwards-Jade Morgan 21-4, 21-6
Tomomi Matsuda-Aki Akao bt Kerry-Lee Harrington-Stacey Doubell 21-7, 21-5
湯尤杯‧李永波：未掌握21分制 馬在4強將輸丹
星洲日报
（日本‧仙台訊）中國隊總教練李永波認為，大馬很可能在半決賽中敗給歐洲冠軍丹麥。
他表示，21分新賽制對大馬而言沒有任何優勢，相反的卻有利於丹麥，所以大馬一旦在半決賽碰上丹麥，很可能會翻船。李宗偉對彼得格特的那一分不可能會拿下。
根據李波的觀察，彼得格特掌握21分制適應得非常好，所以李宗偉在對壘這名歐洲冠軍時，沒有明顯的特點。
“大馬隊首兩單打在對壘彼得格特與佐納森時沒有優勢，第三單打哈菲茲比卡爾杜來得強，如果大馬無法拿下第一單，我想接下來的第一雙打與第二單打的信心都會受到影響。”
格特掌握21分制
他補充，雖然大馬兩支雙打不錯，可是碰上強大的丹麥雙打，況且在背負著非要取分的包袱，根本無法將21分掌握得好。
大馬如果要在半決賽對陣丹麥，首先必須坐上小組首名，接著複賽打敗印尼或是韓國。李永波說：“我相信大馬過不了丹麥這一關。”
如果大馬成功晉級半決賽對丹麥，這場比賽將於5月3日在東京上演。
李永波並不否認，在開賽前就已經把丹麥列為決賽對手，並且也認同徵召“大嘴”夏宣澤入隊，完全是衝著丹麥第三單打而來。前世界冠軍夏宣澤，被視為中國隊關鍵戰的重要棋子。
把丹麥列首號敵人
據悉，李永波預測丹麥對中國的大決賽，前四盤會打成2比2，祈望最終靠夏宣澤在第三單贏得致勝一分。
對於中國捧杯的指數，李永波說：“剛擔任教練時沒有經驗，當時輸了還有很多藉口，如今當上總教練，這一次若保杯失敗，我真的找不到最好的理由來推卸職任。”
李永波自1992年開始出任中國羽球隊教練至今14年，他相信，這一次是他率隊以來，壓力最大的一次。 （光明日報／體育‧2006/04/28）
（日本‧仙台訊）中國隊總教練李永波認為，大馬很可能在半決賽中敗給歐洲冠軍丹麥。
他表示，21分新賽制對大馬而言沒有任何優勢，相反的卻有利於丹麥，所以大馬一旦在半決賽碰上丹麥，很可能會翻船。李宗偉對彼得格特的那一分不可能會拿下。
根據李波的觀察，彼得格特掌握21分制適應得非常好，所以李宗偉在對壘這名歐洲冠軍時，沒有明顯的特點。
“大馬隊首兩單打在對壘彼得格特與佐納森時沒有優勢，第三單打哈菲茲比卡爾杜來得強，如果大馬無法拿下第一單，我想接下來的第一雙打與第二單打的信心都會受到影響。”
格特掌握21分制
他補充，雖然大馬兩支雙打不錯，可是碰上強大的丹麥雙打，況且在背負著非要取分的包袱，根本無法將21分掌握得好。
大馬如果要在半決賽對陣丹麥，首先必須坐上小組首名，接著複賽打敗印尼或是韓國。李永波說：“我相信大馬過不了丹麥這一關。”
如果大馬成功晉級半決賽對丹麥，這場比賽將於5月3日在東京上演。
李永波並不否認，在開賽前就已經把丹麥列為決賽對手，並且也認同徵召“大嘴”夏宣澤入隊，完全是衝著丹麥第三單打而來。前世界冠軍夏宣澤，被視為中國隊關鍵戰的重要棋子。
把丹麥列首號敵人
據悉，李永波預測丹麥對中國的大決賽，前四盤會打成2比2，祈望最終靠夏宣澤在第三單贏得致勝一分。
對於中國捧杯的指數，李永波說：“剛擔任教練時沒有經驗，當時輸了還有很多藉口，如今當上總教練，這一次若保杯失敗，我真的找不到最好的理由來推卸職任。”
李永波自1992年開始出任中國羽球隊教練至今14年，他相信，這一次是他率隊以來，壓力最大的一次。 （光明日報／體育‧2006/04/28）
Size of Malaysian contingent the hot topic in Sendai
TheStar
THE hot topic in cool Sendai is the size of Malaysia’s support crew. More than a dozen personnel are at hand to help the 10-man Thomas Cup squad.
Besides the six coaches – Yap Kim Hock, Misbun Sidek, Li Mao, Rexy Mainaky, Wong Tat Meng and Pang Cheh Chang – Malaysia have also brought along two singles players and two doubles pairs as sparring partners.
Also with the team are three physical trainers, nutritionist, sports analysts, psychologist and masseurs.
And former national coach Park Joo-bong, who is now with the Japanese side, said yesterday the size of the Malaysian contingent reflected their seriousness to win the Cup.
“I was surprised to see such a huge Malaysian squad. I think, this is the first time that a team have brought along a team of this size to a Finals. Denmark and England had a similar set-up but certainly not this big,” said Joo-bong.
“All the teams are talking about this and Malaysia have made their intentions clear here to regain the Cup (they last won in 1992).”
Malaysian chief coach Yap Kim Hock said that having a support crew was nothing new to teams.
“We are 10 years behind compared to China. They have had similar set-ups a long time ago. But unlike us, they don't bring the whole team to Sendai,” said Kim Hock.
On Japan's chances, Joo-bong said: “The men are in the same group as Denmark and South Africa. They may play South Korea for a place in the last eight but chances are slim to win.
“We have a better chance in the Uber Cup and will be out to reach the final. We may play South Korea in the semi-finals. We lost to them during a friendly match here prior to the Finals.”
THE hot topic in cool Sendai is the size of Malaysia’s support crew. More than a dozen personnel are at hand to help the 10-man Thomas Cup squad.
Besides the six coaches – Yap Kim Hock, Misbun Sidek, Li Mao, Rexy Mainaky, Wong Tat Meng and Pang Cheh Chang – Malaysia have also brought along two singles players and two doubles pairs as sparring partners.
Also with the team are three physical trainers, nutritionist, sports analysts, psychologist and masseurs.
And former national coach Park Joo-bong, who is now with the Japanese side, said yesterday the size of the Malaysian contingent reflected their seriousness to win the Cup.
“I was surprised to see such a huge Malaysian squad. I think, this is the first time that a team have brought along a team of this size to a Finals. Denmark and England had a similar set-up but certainly not this big,” said Joo-bong.
“All the teams are talking about this and Malaysia have made their intentions clear here to regain the Cup (they last won in 1992).”
Malaysian chief coach Yap Kim Hock said that having a support crew was nothing new to teams.
“We are 10 years behind compared to China. They have had similar set-ups a long time ago. But unlike us, they don't bring the whole team to Sendai,” said Kim Hock.
On Japan's chances, Joo-bong said: “The men are in the same group as Denmark and South Africa. They may play South Korea for a place in the last eight but chances are slim to win.
“We have a better chance in the Uber Cup and will be out to reach the final. We may play South Korea in the semi-finals. We lost to them during a friendly match here prior to the Finals.”
Thursday, April 27, 2006
湯尤杯‧寧與中國對對碰 印尼不願提前戰大馬
星洲日报
（日本‧仙台訊）選戰中國還是大馬？13屆湯杯霸主印尼竟寧願選擇對壘衛冕冠軍兼首號種子中國，而避免提前與次號種子大馬相遇？
在2004年的第23屆湯杯賽，5連冠印尼在自家門口雅加達士納央體育館裡衛冕失敗，最終讓由林丹領軍的中國重奪闊別12年的湯杯。
盡管印尼現在依然擁有當今最好的男單與男雙組合之一，但他們卻認為在21分的新賽制之下，任何球隊都無法從中取得優勢。因此，這一次印尼選擇以低姿態出擊，只把目標訂為以湯杯決賽圈B組賽盟主身份出線。
劉易斯：爭做B組老大
印尼副領隊劉易斯表示，他們現在只求在小組賽中擊敗紐西蘭及勁旅韓國，然後以B組老大的身份晉級複賽。
劉易斯說：“若我們在小組賽僅居第二名，那就會在複賽提前遇上大馬；但如果我們是B組正盟，則會在複賽碰上中國。”
“中國及大馬都是羽球強國，不過比較起來，大馬的單雙整體實力則要強些。”
認為大馬單雙實力較強
“上個月在新山舉行的亞洲錦標賽中，印尼的兩支世界排名前10名的雙打組合陳甲亮與西吉、馬奇斯與亨德拉西迪亞萬都分別栽在大馬球員手裡，因此我們會對大馬較為警惕。”
在亞錦賽，大馬的年輕雙打雲天豪與陳文宏爆冷拿下世界排名第二的陳甲亮與西吉；而老將鍾騰福與李萬華則擊敗世界排名第七的馬奇斯與亨德拉西迪亞萬。 （星洲日報／體育‧2006/04/27）
（日本‧仙台訊）選戰中國還是大馬？13屆湯杯霸主印尼竟寧願選擇對壘衛冕冠軍兼首號種子中國，而避免提前與次號種子大馬相遇？
在2004年的第23屆湯杯賽，5連冠印尼在自家門口雅加達士納央體育館裡衛冕失敗，最終讓由林丹領軍的中國重奪闊別12年的湯杯。
盡管印尼現在依然擁有當今最好的男單與男雙組合之一，但他們卻認為在21分的新賽制之下，任何球隊都無法從中取得優勢。因此，這一次印尼選擇以低姿態出擊，只把目標訂為以湯杯決賽圈B組賽盟主身份出線。
劉易斯：爭做B組老大
印尼副領隊劉易斯表示，他們現在只求在小組賽中擊敗紐西蘭及勁旅韓國，然後以B組老大的身份晉級複賽。
劉易斯說：“若我們在小組賽僅居第二名，那就會在複賽提前遇上大馬；但如果我們是B組正盟，則會在複賽碰上中國。”
“中國及大馬都是羽球強國，不過比較起來，大馬的單雙整體實力則要強些。”
認為大馬單雙實力較強
“上個月在新山舉行的亞洲錦標賽中，印尼的兩支世界排名前10名的雙打組合陳甲亮與西吉、馬奇斯與亨德拉西迪亞萬都分別栽在大馬球員手裡，因此我們會對大馬較為警惕。”
在亞錦賽，大馬的年輕雙打雲天豪與陳文宏爆冷拿下世界排名第二的陳甲亮與西吉；而老將鍾騰福與李萬華則擊敗世界排名第七的馬奇斯與亨德拉西迪亞萬。 （星洲日報／體育‧2006/04/27）
避免球員產生心理包袱 大馬隊低調爭湯杯
星洲日报
（日本‧仙台訊）大馬湯杯羽球隊將以低調姿態爭奪本屆湯杯，避免讓球員產生心理包袱。
大馬國家羽隊總教練葉錦福週三在仙台體育館訓練後向大馬記者表示，自從他上任總教練一職後，就頻頻傳出佳訊，成為湯杯各強的最大勁敵。
他表示，這種無形中的壓力，可能給大馬球員帶來不必要的心理包袱，在爭奪湯杯路上添增不少難度。
“李宗偉在瑞士公開賽稱霸後，陸續奪得墨爾本共運男單冠軍和新山亞洲羽賽男單冠軍，我認為其他強隊都將視宗偉為眼中釘。”
盡量避免露出底牌
此外，資深雙打李萬華與鍾騰福除了在全英賽獲得亞軍，而且也摘下亞洲羽賽男雙冠軍，證明已恢復昔日的雄風。
“大馬隊球員取得這些佳績，令其他強旅更加提防大馬隊，所以我要大馬隊低態爭湯杯，尤其是在訓練中必須盡量保持低調，不能露出大馬隊真正的底牌。”
仙台體育館是本屆湯尤杯羽賽舉行初賽的場館，而從複賽起則移至東京舉行。
場館氣流燈光沒問題
他表示，大馬隊抵達仙台已有3日，隊伍的狀態都很好，而且他也滿意館內的氣流和燈光，沒任何問題。
大馬湯杯隊單打和雙打組合週三分別在下午和晚上進行訓練，主要是場地不夠分配。
詢及大馬湯杯隊的狀態，錦福指宗偉的背傷已痊癒，沒有任何疼痛。
“而其餘球員都沒有傷勢的困擾，大家都處於良好的狀態，我很高興看到球員的積極精神，以努力重奪闊別14年的湯杯，況且湯杯是一項團體賽，需靠團隊精神，不是光單靠個人的力量。”
戰美國最強陣容出擊
他表示，週五首仗對美國時會派出最強的陣容出擊，以讓球員體驗比賽的氣氛，而在週日（30日）次仗對英格蘭，多數會讓首仗沒有上場的球員亮相。
“我想大馬隊在對美國和英格蘭時，只會遇上一些挑戰。”
雖然大馬球員在上月亞洲羽賽揚威男單和男雙，但是錦福不認為大馬球員提早在亞洲羽賽中達到顛峰狀態，他相信大馬球員知道如何作出調整。 （星洲日報／體育‧2006/04/27）
（日本‧仙台訊）大馬湯杯羽球隊將以低調姿態爭奪本屆湯杯，避免讓球員產生心理包袱。
大馬國家羽隊總教練葉錦福週三在仙台體育館訓練後向大馬記者表示，自從他上任總教練一職後，就頻頻傳出佳訊，成為湯杯各強的最大勁敵。
他表示，這種無形中的壓力，可能給大馬球員帶來不必要的心理包袱，在爭奪湯杯路上添增不少難度。
“李宗偉在瑞士公開賽稱霸後，陸續奪得墨爾本共運男單冠軍和新山亞洲羽賽男單冠軍，我認為其他強隊都將視宗偉為眼中釘。”
盡量避免露出底牌
此外，資深雙打李萬華與鍾騰福除了在全英賽獲得亞軍，而且也摘下亞洲羽賽男雙冠軍，證明已恢復昔日的雄風。
“大馬隊球員取得這些佳績，令其他強旅更加提防大馬隊，所以我要大馬隊低態爭湯杯，尤其是在訓練中必須盡量保持低調，不能露出大馬隊真正的底牌。”
仙台體育館是本屆湯尤杯羽賽舉行初賽的場館，而從複賽起則移至東京舉行。
場館氣流燈光沒問題
他表示，大馬隊抵達仙台已有3日，隊伍的狀態都很好，而且他也滿意館內的氣流和燈光，沒任何問題。
大馬湯杯隊單打和雙打組合週三分別在下午和晚上進行訓練，主要是場地不夠分配。
詢及大馬湯杯隊的狀態，錦福指宗偉的背傷已痊癒，沒有任何疼痛。
“而其餘球員都沒有傷勢的困擾，大家都處於良好的狀態，我很高興看到球員的積極精神，以努力重奪闊別14年的湯杯，況且湯杯是一項團體賽，需靠團隊精神，不是光單靠個人的力量。”
戰美國最強陣容出擊
他表示，週五首仗對美國時會派出最強的陣容出擊，以讓球員體驗比賽的氣氛，而在週日（30日）次仗對英格蘭，多數會讓首仗沒有上場的球員亮相。
“我想大馬隊在對美國和英格蘭時，只會遇上一些挑戰。”
雖然大馬球員在上月亞洲羽賽揚威男單和男雙，但是錦福不認為大馬球員提早在亞洲羽賽中達到顛峰狀態，他相信大馬球員知道如何作出調整。 （星洲日報／體育‧2006/04/27）
The Thomas Cup 2006
