Malaysia pay the price for resting Chong Wei in China clash

ALOR SETAR: Malaysia paid the price for resting Lee Chong Wei as they succumbed 1-3 to China in the semi-finals of the Asia Team Badminton Championships.

Having already secured their spot in the Thomas Cup Finals by virtue of making the last four, Malaysia opted to rest the world No. 2 singles player.

World No. 7 Shi Yuqi just proved too strong for national No. 2 Lee Zii Jia, powering to a 21-18, 21-9 win at the Sultan Abdul Halim Stadium yesterday.

Rio Olympic silver medallists Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong kept Malaysia in the hunt when they downed He Jiting-Tan Qiang 21-18, 21-12.

But China promptly went ahead again after world No. 26 Qiao Bin whipped world No. 65 Soong Joo Ven 21-17, 21-8.

Malaysia’s second pair Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi then had the daunting task of saving the match.

However, the world No. 22 were not up to the task as they went down tamely to world No. 51 Han Chengkai-Zhou Haodong 15-21, 13-21.

“I think we were both under pressure and it affected our performance today,” admitted Yew Sin.

“I’m really sorry that we didn’t do well. It was the important point for the team but we could not deliver.

“Our biggest problem is inconsistency. Sometimes we play well but sometimes we did not.

“This defeat, however, has shown us where our weak points are and we hope to come back stronger.”

The defeat clearly shows that a Malaysian team without Chong Wei are not ready to challenge the world.

The team now have three months to prepare for the Thomas Cup Finals to be held in Bangkok.

China singles head coach Xia Xuanze admitted his team were lucky to get into the final.

“We came with a very young squad as part of our long-term plan. The players are just here to gain experience and I thought getting out of the group stage was already a satisfying result,” said the 2003 world champion.

“It’s really a bonus to reach the final. I never expected us to get this far. I think were a bit lucky too as Chong Wei was not playing.”

China will face either Indonesia or South Korea for the title.