Can they pull it off? Malaysia must beat Taiwan to qualify for Thomas Cup

ALOR SETAR: The Malaysian men's team need to beat Taiwan convincingly in order to make the quarter-finals of the Asia Team Badminton 

Malaysia suffered a setback when they lost 3-2 to Thailand on Tuesday (Feb 6) before powering to an expected 5-0 win over Myanmar on Wednesday (Feb 7).

Third seeds Taiwan thumped Myanmar 5-0 but struggled to a 3-2 win over Thailand.
And Malaysia know that they need a 4-1 or 5-0 win over Taiwan on Thursday (Feb 8) in order to pip Thailand to a last eight spot.

A 3-2 win is risky. That will see all teams being tied with same points and a decision will have to be made on count-back.

It is a tall order for Malaysia although world No. 2 Lee Chong Wei should give the team a winning start when he takes on world No. 12 Wang Tzu-wei.

Rio Olympic silver medallists Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong, who were responsible for the defeat to Thailand, should have a lot to prove when they face Lee Jhe-huei-Lee Yang.
In the second singles, national No. 2 Lee Zii Jia will then be put to the test when he lines up against world No. 26 Hsu Jen-hao.

"I lost to him before but it went to rubber games. It's definitely a tough match-up but I'll give it my best," said the 19-year-old.

In the second doubles, world No. 23 Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi also have a tall order as they pit against world No. 7 Chen Hung-ling-Wang Chi-lin - a tie that could decide the outcome of the match.

"It won't be easy against this Taiwanese pair. But we've beaten them before and we know what we need to do," said Yew Sin.

Malaysia are expected to line-up Indian Open semi-finalist Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin against world No. 53 Lin Yu-hsien.

The match will start at 7pm on Thursday.