PETALING JAYA: Shuttler Leong Jun Hao led Malaysia to a commanding 5-0 win over France in the team's opening Group C match in the Sudirman Cup.
World No. 26 Jun Hao fought hard to overcome world No. 62 Frenchman Arnaud Merkle 22-20, 21-19 in 55 minutes in the men's singles to give Malaysia the third and winning point at the Xiamen Fenghuang Gymnasium in China on Monday (April 28).
Earlier, men's doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani had a much easier time when they brushed aside Mael Cattoen-Lucas Renoir 21-11, 21-9 to get the team off to a good start.
In the women's singles, Goh Jin Wei then doubled Malaysia's lead by beating Leonice Huet 21-10, 21-19.
Women's doubles duo Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie also won their respective matches comfortably.
Pearly-Thinaah defeated Margot Lambert-Camille Pognante 21-13, 21-10, while Soon Huat-Shevon swept past Gregoire Deschamp-Elsa Jacob 21-7, 21-19.
Malaysia now are almost assured of a spot in the quarter-finals as they play Australia next on Tuesday (April 29) and should have no problems claiming another victory.
The top two teams in the group will reach the last eight.
Malaysia's third and last group match will be against Japan on Thursday (May 1).
