KUALA LUMPUR: National coaching director Rexy Mainaky has urged his high-flying team to stay grounded as Malaysia advance towards their objective of reaching the Thomas Cup final for the first time in a decade.
Following an impressive 3-1 quarter-final triumph over Japan on Thursday, Malaysia are set for an anticipated last four clash with hosts China, who are riding high themselves after dethroning India with an identical scoreline.
On the surface, China, boasting a power-packed squad led by world No. 2 men's singles shuttler Shi Yu Qi and world No. 1 men's pair Liang Wei Keng-Wang Chang, are expected to bulldoze their way to the final.
However, Rexy was quick to point out that Malaysia can capitalise on being the underdogs.
"As the hosts, China will be the one under pressure. I hope our players can seize this opportunity and try to enjoy the game more," Rexy said.
"More importantly, the players must also refrain from getting carried away after beating Japan in the last eight.
"They must stay grounded, maintain a good mentality, look after what they eat and get a good sleep as they prepare for Saturday's semi-finals."
Rexy added that the Malaysian team should build on their "positive development" in cracking the quarter-final barrier for the first time since 2016.
"The last three editions we got eliminated in the quarter-finals, so to be able to progress to the last four this time is indeed a positive development.
''We have to go step by step, just like climbing the staircase. To get to the top, we need to move up step by step," said Rexy.
