India might have an outside chance of making the quarterfinals of the World Men's Team Championship for the Thomas Cup, but national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand today said his team could reach the last eight stage at the back of a strong singles performance.
India have been slotted with Malaysia, South Korea and Germany for the Thomas Cup to be held here from May 18-25. Thomas and Uber Cup tie have three singles and two doubles matches.
"We as a team are strong in singles, that is where our strength lies. I am hoping that we can pull off all three singles. Our singles players are strong but when you compare it with a like Lee Chong Wei (World No.1), then yes, we are not of the same level. He is one exception, but otherwise we have a good chance," said Gopichand during a media interaction here.
"We are good in singles, but having said that, we have had decent performances in the doubles, and hopefully we might pull off one of the doubles and that is what I am banking on to make the quarterfinals," he insisted.
Gopichand, however, admitted that the players would have to play out of their skins against both Malaysia and Korea.
"It's going to be tough against Malaysia and Korea. Korea with their doubles players back or even without them, it is going to be difficult.
"As far as doubles is concerned, we have seen some good performances, though we haven't won anything big to say that we can beat Malaysia or Korea. But against Germany we stand a good chance. And even against Malaysia, if we can play really well, we have a good chance," said the coach.
Talking about the strategy, Gopichand said: "The best way forward against somebody like Korea, would be to look at straight three singles. While somebody like Malaysia, we would look at two singles and one doubles. Against Germany we can look at all three singles and also we have a chance in both the doubles.
