Defending champions Denmark would be Malaysia’s main obstacle in the group stage of the 2018 Thomas Cup.

At the 2018 Thomas and Uber Cup draw ceremony held at the Arnoma Grand Hotel in Bangkok on Thursday, Malaysia were drawn in Group D together with Denmark, Russia and Algeria.

Besides avoiding a top Asian contender, it is also a chance for the Malaysian team to redeem their semi-final defeat to Denmark in the 2016 edition in Kunshan, China.

Top-seed and nine-time champion China lead Group A consisting of India, France and Australia, while Group B features 13-time winners Indonesia, South Korea, Canada and hosts Thailand.

Group C is made up of Taiwan, Japan, Germany and Hong Kong.

In the Uber Cup draw, Malaysia were drawn together with defending champions China, Indonesia and France in Group D.

Japan leads Group A with India, Canada and Australia, while host country Thailand are in Group B with Taiwan, Germany and Hong Kong.

Group C comprises of South Korea, Denmark, Russia and Mauritius.

The 2018 Thomas and Uber Cup is scheduled to be held in Bangkok from May 20 to 27.