Badminton legend Gade believes that Malaysia, which is absent from Lee Zi Jia, is still a powerhouse in the 2025 Su Cup

Danish badminton legend Peter Gade believes that even without men's singles ace Lee Zi Jia, Malaysia still has the ability to become a strong team at the 2025 China Xiamen Sudirman Cup World Badminton Mixed Team Championships. Malaysia's Su Cup, which started on the 27th, has strong combinations in both the men's doubles and mixed doubles events, and the overall strength is good.

Gad

Speaking to the BWF a few days ago, Gade said: "I think the real strength of Malaysia lies in its overall strength, and now it is important that the team has the right strategy to ensure three wins in five matches, which is the secret to victory in the Su Cup mixed team competition." "It's a team competition after all, and on the day of the game, it's all about the performance of the players. If the players are well prepared, I'm sure they'll [win]. "They can still achieve some important results and knowing the Damasu Cup team, I'm sure they already have a plan B and will give it their all," he said.

Malaysia will rely on three strong Men's Doubles pairs, including 2025 Asian Championships champions Chia Ting Feng and So Wei Yi, world No. 2 Goh Shi Fei and No. Neu Zutin, and world No. 7 Wan Wei Cong and Cheng Kai Wen. In the Mixed Doubles, Malaysia also have good options, including world No. 3 Goh Xun and Lai Jie Min, reunited world No. 4 Tan Tang Kit and Du Yi Wei, and world No. 14 Koh Pang Rong and Chung Shu Yun.

He added, "Malaysia are still strong in multiple disciplines and have proven that they are capable of beating the best in the world. Of course, it's not a sure thing, but as I mentioned before, in the team competition, it's all about sticking together and showing strength when it counts, you just need to win three games. "Team events have always been Malaysia's strong point, and I'm sure they'll be well prepared and take the chances."

At the same time, Gade also called on players such as Liang Junhao and He Shouwei to succeed Li Zijia not to be afraid when facing higher-ranked opponents. "Well, I think either way, it's a huge loss for the whole tournament because I think Li Zijia is a big figure in the sport. Wherever he goes, he always brings a lot of attention, drama, and great games. ”

"So, yes, his absence is undoubtedly a blow," Gade said. That being said, in a team event like this, there is no guarantee that any player will score points. There are other strong players in the men's singles, and now it will be up to the rest of the Malaysian team to perform at the level they deserve. Gade added: "Other men's singles players need to take on a leadership role and contribute to the team, even if they are underdogs in some tournaments, to fight for points.

Lee Zi Jia was one of Malaysia's key players in previous success in the event, helping them to back-to-back bronze medals in Vantaa, Finland in 2021 and Suzhou, China two years ago. However, the world No. 8 men's singles player is still recovering from a foot injury and will not compete this time.