Thomas Cup: Smashing start as Zii Jia and Co beat England

Motivated. Lee Zii Jia wins the first point for Malaysia against England in the Thomas Cup. - Badminton Photo

BANGKOK: Malaysia got off to a splendid start when they defeated England 5-0 in the opening Group D tie at the Impact Arena on Monday (May 9).

World No. 6 Lee Zii Jia started the ball rolling with a 21-10, 21-15 win over Toby Penty to give the first point.

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"It's a good start, I got the feel of the arena here. The focus is on playing Japan next. I may be rested against United States tomorrow," said Zii Jia.

Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik continued the momentum but they had to dig deep into reserve to win against a pumped up Ben Lane-Sean Vendy 19-21, 21-15, 21-16 in 62 minutes.

"They really pushed us in this match but Wooi Yik and I are happy we came through it. It's a good workout," said skipper Aaron.

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Malaysia fielded Ng Tze Yong instead of Liew Daren in the second singles and the 21-year-old accomplished the job by extending the lead to 3-0 with a 21-16, 19-21, 21-11 win over Johnnie Torjussen.

"I should have won it in straight games but I was not confident enough to finish him off towards the end...I made some mistakes. Fortunately, it was all good in the rubber game," said Tze Yong.

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Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani were also given a chance to play instead of the higher ranked Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi and they gave a good account of themselves by winning 21-13, 21-9 against Rory Easton-Zach Russ.

In the last match, Leong Jun Hao, known for his calm and steady approach, sealed the tie with a superb 21-11, 21-18 win over Cholan Kayan.

Malaysia should win against United States on Tuesday (3pm) and Japan on Wednesday (8pm).