Ewe Hock backs Malaysia to punish Indonesia's weak line-up

Ewe Hock, a member of the 2001 squad that edged Indonesia 3-2 for the team gold, said the absences of world No. 5 Jonatan Christie and world No. 52 Anthony Ginting have opened the door for a breakthrough after 20 years.

He hopes the singles trio — world No. 29 Leong Jun Hao, world No. 38 Justin Hoh and world No. 45 Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin — can at least deliver one point to back up Malaysia's top-tier doubles pairs, world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and world No. 5 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun.

"If Indonesia had fielded Jonatan and Ginting, our chances would be limited. But with them sending juniors, our singles must rise to the occasion and make the difference," said Ewe Hock.

"We just need one point from singles because we have two strong doubles pairs. Looking at Indonesia's line-up, it's a 50-50 battle for gold.

"Our singles should see themselves as underdogs, play without pressure and go for the kill. If they can get two points, even better."

All eyes will be on Jun Hao as he shoulders the first singles duty in the absence of the injured Lee Zii Jia.

He faces world No. 17 Alwi Farhan in the opening match at the Thammasat Rangsit Gymnasium.

"It will be interesting to see how Jun Hao performs as first singles with expectations on him to deliver. If he gives us a strong start, Malaysia can go all the way," said Ewe Hock.

"Indonesia will come hard at us, but this is also the moment for Jun Hao and the other singles players to seize the stage and make their mark."

Justin is likely to meet last year's world junior champion Zaki Ubaidullah in the second singles, while Aidil is expected to take on world No. 52 Prahdiska Bagas Shujiwo if the tie goes to a deciding rubber.

In the doubles, Aaron-Wooi Yik are expected to face world No. 8 Sabar Karyaman-Moh Reza Isfahani, while Wei Chong-Kai Wun are set for a clash against world No. 20 Leo Rolly Carnando-Bagas Maulana — with Malaysia aiming to sweep both points.