Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) champions China were not expecting a line-up that excluded Lee Zii Jia, and their morale changed when they saw the host’s line-up on Sunday.

In the end, the Republic nation ran out comfortable 3-0 winners after Weng Hong Yang, Xie Hao Nan-Zeng Wei Han and Lei Lan Xi earned the points to be crowned first time champions in this spectacle.

National coaching director Rexy Mainaky believes the outcome could have been different if Malaysia went into the final with a full-strength squad.

“We could have become champions with a full team. China was not expecting this line-up. Their first singles was expecting to meet Zii Jia, and their morale changed when they saw the line-up.

“We did the best within our means. In footballing terms, if there isn’t a (Cristiano) Ronaldo or (Lionel) Messi, it will affect the team. Who will score?,” said Rexy.

Lee did not play due to a sinus problem that also saw him sit out the match against Singapore in the quarter-finals.

Lee’s absence meant Leong Jun Hao played in the first singles but he was beaten in straight games by Weng.
After the win, the Chinese said he had done his homework to face Lee in the final.

“Initially I made a lot of preparation to face Zii Jia, but then the opponent changed so I made last minute preparation to face him,” said Weng.

Rexy, meanwhile, called on the Malaysian shuttlers to pledge their commitment at the upcoming Thomas Cup in April.

“We need a solid team for the Thomas Cup. Whoever plays must be solid. If they are not committed, we will only look good on paper. They must be patriotic to play for the country at the Thomas Cup,” he added.

All the shuttlers will return to the World Tour action which begins in Europe after this.

It starts off with the German Open (Feb 27-Mac 3), before the French Open (Mac 5-10) and All-England (Mac 12-17) takes place.