BANGKOK: Shuttler Justin Hoh rose to the occasion to lead Malaysia past hosts Thailand and into the men’s team final in the SEA Games.
Under pressure to deliver for Malaysia in the second singles, the world No. 38 stayed cool to secure a commanding 21-10, 21-17 win over world No. 39 Panitchapon Teeraratsakul in 40 minutes at Thammasat University in Pathum Thani on Monday (Dec 8).
Earlier, Leong Jun Hao went down 15-21, 15-21 to 2023 world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the first singles.
World No. 2 men’s doubles duo Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik refused to panic and showed their experience by beating scratch pairing Supak Jomkoh-Peeratchai Sukphun 21-18, 21-19 to level the tie.
After Justin had given Malaysia a valuable 2-1 advantage, hopes were on world No. 5 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun to step up and they did by beating another scratch combo, Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Pakkapon Teeraratsakul.
Wei Chong-Kai Wun were made to sweat before coming away with a 21-14, 18-21, 21-17 win in a match lasting an hour.
Malaysia will next take on Indonesia in a repeat of the 2023 final in Cambodia, where the team settled for silver after losing 1-3.
Indonesia beat Singapore 3-1 in the other last-four tie.
