And so do his compatriots think.

    "We are training hard for the Thomas Cup. We hope we will succeed this time. We have a very good team," said Martin Lundgaard Hansen, second in the men's doubles world ranking partnering with Jens Erikssen.

    Hansen and Eriksen, Denmark's second men's double last time in Jakarta 2004, lost the final point to China's second pair Zheng Bo/Sang Yang, which directly resulted in Denmark's seventh close good-bye to the Thomas Cup. However, the long-time pair is not what they were two years ago. They are now world number two and just crowned at the traditional All England Champinships.

    "We are experienced guys, we keep saying to each other that we can still win, even though we are behind," said Erikssen, both in their 30's.

    "We will play a big role, as we will play in the first doubles match which will produce much pressure, but we have experience in dealing with it," said Hansen.

    "Although we lost the last match last time, we still consider the men's doubles as the weak point of the defending champions Chinese team, and we hope we can revenge the lose to China this time in the final."

    However, Hansen admitted that Denmark have to win one of the men's singles before they have a big chance to clinch the Cup for the first time.

    Peter Gade, ranked fourth in world, is the one who might do it.

    The 30-year-old Denmark treature lost to China's ace Lin Dan last time by two straight sets, pushing Denmark trailing 0-1.

    "Until the last time in Jakarta, I have been unbeaten in three Thomas Cups, so I pretty like it," said Gade, "and I will be very much glad to meet Lin Dan. We have close matches for several times. Now under the new 21-point scoring system, maybe I have a chance (to win him)."

    Gade, who is personally against the rally point system newly carried out this year but a beneficiary in deed. "To me, it's OK, because I am an attacking player. And the new rule is good for attacks."

    World seventh-ranked Kenneth Jonassen, the second men's single of Denmark is another big gun.

    "The thomas cup is one of my main goals," said Jonassen, "I know it's gonna be difficult for Denmark, as obviously China is the favorite, but we also have a big chance, but we also have a strong team."

    "we have strong men's doubles and also the singles including Peter, me and a young one who is unknown to most of the other countries."

    Jonassen, once claimed to retire, still remembers the awful overturn by China's Bao Chunlai, normally considered mentally weak, during the final in Jakarta two year ago.

    "It was a great match even though it was one of my worst loses ever," said Jonassen, "I hope to get a second chance for a revenge."

    However, the Malaysians will be a high bar for the Danes to stride over. According to the draw, Denmark will meet Malaysia in the semifinal, who owns world number two shuttler Lee Chong Wei, number nine Wong Choong Hann and number 11 Kuan Beng Hong for their singles and two strong pairs for doubles.

    "It will be a great match against Malaysia." said Jonassen, " The player of Malaysia and Denmark are very equal. It is gonna be who can hold his nerves."

    "However, I would say 3-2 to Denmark, or 3-1."

    The rally point system newly carried out in January this year is another obstacle for the Danes.

    "When we mentioned that it would be our best time of winning, it was still under the old scoring system." said Jonassen, "I don't think it (the new system) suits the European and Dennish way of playing, as we are not as fast as the Chinese and the other Asians."

    "Anyway, in the new system, many surprises could happen," said Gade, wishing joyful ones kiss the Danes. Enditem