Their strong performance has impressed the selectors and it could earn them a place in next year’s Thomas Cup Finals squad.
Yesterday, world No. 27 Khim Wah-V Shem put up a top-class display to provide the only glitter in Malaysia’s 3-1 defeat by defending champions Indonesia.
The odds were stacked against Khim Wah-V Shem but they turned on the power to upstage world No. 6 Bona Septano-Mohd Ahsan 21-18, 15-21, 25-23 in a nail-biting 66-minute struggle.
Earlier, Liew Daren showed much promise in taking Simon Santoso the distance before losing 20-22 in the opening game of their first singles. But Daren could not sustain the pressure against the strong attacks of the rejuvenated Simon and lost the next game 21-12.
Khim Wah-V Shem levelled the tie at 1-1 but it failed to inspire both Mohd Arif Abdul Latif and Mak Hee Chun-Ong Soon Hock.
Arif did show some fighting spirit after trailing 2-9 in the second game but it all came to nought against Tommy, the son of Icuk Sugiarto. He lost 21-13, 21-17.
Hopes were high on Hee Chun-Soon Hock to push Olympic and world champions Markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan to the limit but they were easily beaten 21-19, 21-14.
The 22-year-old V Shem was happy that they were not cowed by the hostile fans. In fact, on two occasions, he turned around to the fans to show that he wasn’t falling for their antics.
Of course, it earned him boos from the vociferous fans and a warning from the umpire.
“All the fans were against us but I jeered at them so as to motivate myself and show that I am far from intimidated,” he said.
Said Kim Wah: “We really stepped up our speed and power today. We hope our strong showing will get us into the Thomas Cup squad.”
National doubles chief coach Tan Kim Her was happy with the back-up team’s overall performances despite the defeat.
“Everyone in the team gave their best and that mattered most. After all, we were up against a strong team,” he said.
“I am very impressed with Khim Wah-V Shem. This was their opportunity to show me whether they are good enough for the Thomas Cup Finals and they’ve certainly proved their point.”
With yesterday’s win, Indonesia have won the men’s team title a record 14 times.
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