PETALING JAYA: From player to coach, Rexy Mainaky has built a strong reputation in team events.

He will now have the chance to make his mark with Malaysia when the Thomas-Uber Cup Finals begin from April 24-May 3 in Horsens, Denmark.

“Team events have always been special to me,” said the national doubles coaching director in an interview with the Badminton World Federation.

Rexy has fond memories of competing in the 1992 Thomas Cup Finals with Ricky Subagja, although Indonesia eventually lost to Malaysia in the final.

The Indonesians fell short after losing the second doubles to Cheah Soon Kit-Soo Beng Kiang, which proved to be the decisive point for Malaysia.

“We did not want to meet Malaysia early, and I remember even playing in the singles against China as a way to avoid them (he lost 1-15, 4-15 to Liu Jun in the group stage). In those days, that was possible,” said Rexy.

Malaysia went on to face China and pulled off a sensational 3-2 win.

“But I came back in 1994 and won the Cup. I was the first in my family to hold the trophy... it was such a proud moment,” he added.