Malaysia crush England to reach mixed team final

Soniia Cheah won her match against England's Chloe Birch. - GLENN GUAN / The Star

GOLD COAST: Defending champions Malaysia reached the mixed team final after a thumping 3-0 win over England.

Rio Olympic Games silver medalists Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong started the ball rolling when they outclassed Chris Langridge-Marcus Ellis 21-9, 21-11 in the men's doubles to give Malaysia the first point.

Debutant Soniia Cheah passed her test with flying colours when she defeated Chloe Birch 21-17, 15-21, 21-18 in an energy-sapping match to give Malaysia a comfortable 2-0 lead.

And veteran Lee Chong Wei continued to show that he is the country's most dependable player when he clinched the winning point after beating Rajiv Ouseph 21-18, 21-16.

Malaysia will take on India in the final on Monday.

Sonia was happy with win although she hurt her ankle during the match.

She gave a scare to the Malaysian camp when she slipped in the second game but after medical attention, the fired up Soniia continued play and went on beat her opponent.

"I'm not sure how bad it is but I'll get it treated. I'm feeling the pain now. But, I'm surely playing tomorrow (against India)," said the determined player.