Positive Draw Gives Malaysia Clearer Roadmap To March Further In Horsens - Jonassen

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- A favourable draw in the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup Finals 2026 in Horsens, Denmark, has given Malaysia a clearer roadmap as they step up preparations for the world’s most prestigious team championships.

National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen described the outcome of the group stage draw as positive, as it provides greater clarity on the team’s route to the knockout stage.

With the opponents now confirmed, Jonassen said the focus will shift towards fine-tuning preparations, particularly in adapting strategies to suit each tie.

“Yes for both teams I’m excited and most importantly now we can start to finalise some of our preparations to tailor to the opponents we are going to face.

“One of the last info we lack is the playing schedule,” he told Bernama.

While the draw provides clarity, the 51-year-old Dane said the team must remain grounded and ready to deal with any challenges that may arise during the competition.

“Be humble, aware and confident. To gain success at a major championship, you must be able to overcome any challenges and obstacles in your path,” he said.

In the meantime, national doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky, who was pleased with the outcome of the draw, called on the shuttlers to focus on the preparation here and Denmark later.

It was reported that both the men’s and women’s squads will undergo a 10-day training stint in Herning, Denmark before travelling to Horsens.

The national men's team are pitted in Group B alongside 2014 champions Japan as well as two other European nations namely England and Finland in Thomas Cup 2026.

In the Uber Cup 2026 draw, the Malaysian women have been drawn into Group B alongside six-time champions Japan, Turkiye and South Africa.

Only the top two teams from each group across both competitions advance to the quarter-finals stage.

Malaysia lifted Thomas Cup five times in 1949, 1952, 1955, 1967 and 1992.

The national women’s team, who have yet to win the Uber Cup, had only reached the quarter-finals three times in 2004, 2008 and 2010.

The Thomas Cup and Uber Cup Finals 2026 will be held in Forum Horsens from April 24 to May 3.

-- BERNAMA