Malaysia out to prove rankings wrong

IF world rankings tell the truth, then Malaysia can forget about even making the semi-finals of the Asia Cup in Kuantan on May 9-16.

But fortunately for Malaysia, rankings don't matter when there is a desire to win, as Egypt proved when they held New Zealand and India in the Azlan Shah Cup. Malaysia were also impressive in Ipoh, as they only lost to India, albeit twice.
Malaysia, ranked 15th in the world, have been grouped with World No 5 South Korea, No 11 Japan and No 41 Sri Lanka.
Group B has Pakistan (No 8), India (No 10), China (No 16) and Bangladesh (No 34).
"Sri Lanka and Japan are the two teams we need to beat for a spot in the semi-finals. However, that does not mean we will give South Korea an easy time in our opening encounter," said MHF deputy president Nur Azmi Ahmad.
South Korea are the only Asian team in the Champions Trophy and in December, they will play against Australia, England, Spain, Germany and Netherlands.
"Although the Koreans are in a league of their own, we learnt much about them during our recent tour where we played against their club sides who house a majority of their internationals.
"The feedback was positive, and the opening encounter between Malaysia and South Korea should not be missed by fans in Kuantan," said Azmi.
Malaysia have invited 28-year-old Jiwa Mohan who has 243 caps, to re-join national training.
"Jiwa has been actively playing in the Australian League after he left the national team to concentrate on his work Down Under.
"He has never had any problems with fitness before and should have no problems fitting back into the team. But his appearance depends on his leave application. If all is OK, then he will play in a friendly against Pakistan on May 3, and I am sure he will be able to perform," said Nur Azmi.