PETALING JAYA: Experienced shuttlers Anthony Ginting and Rian Ardianto are likely to pose a serious threat to Malaysia’s hopes in the Asia Team Championships after they were named in the Indonesian squad.
Malaysia will take on Indonesia and Myanmar in Group D in the team meet from Feb 3-8 in Qingdao, China.
Indonesia have selected a mixture of seniors and juniors in their squad with singles star Anthony and experienced doubles ace Rian the standout names.
Anthony’s inclusion is especially intriguing considering that the 2020 Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist has seen his rankings drop to No. 76 in the world after struggling with form and fitness over the past two years.
The 29-year-old is behind world No. 47 Moh Zaki Ubaidillah and world No. 48 Prahdiska Bagas in the rankings but could play an important role in the crucial third singles if needed.
Meanwhile, Rian, who is also 29, could spoil the party for Malaysia in the doubles with current partner Rahmat Hidayat.
He reached No. 1 in the world with Fajar Alfian in 2022 before ending their partnership last year and teaming up with Rahmat.
Indonesia can also call upon world No. 18 Leo Rolly-Bagas Maulana and rising youngsters Raymond Indra-Nikolaus Joaquin (No. 23).
Top stars such as world No. 4 Jonatan Christie (singles) and Fajar-Shohibul Fikri and world No. 8 Sabar Gutama-Moh Reza (doubles) have not been named in the team.
Malaysia includes Justin Hoh, Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin, Eogene Ewe, Kong Wei Xiang (singles), Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi, Choong Hon Jian-Mohd Haikal Nazri, and Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing (doubles).
The top two teams in the group will progress to the quarter-finals.
The Asia team meet acts as the qualifier for the Thomas Cup Finals from April 24-May 3 in Horsens, Denmark.
