MALAYSIA vs JAPAN (Latest world ranking in brackets)
FIRST SINGLES
Leong Jun Hao (25) vs Kodai Naraoka (9)
Jun Hao holds slim edge based on past meetings, winning four out of five matches against Naraoka. Jun Hao, however, is currently struggling with form, leading many to question his status as Malaysia’s No. 1. Naraoka, too, has faced a dip in performance, failing to progress beyond the quarter-finals in all four tournaments this year. With both players not at their best, the match could go either way.
FIRST DOUBLES
Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (2) vs Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi (8)
The pressure will be on Aaron-Wooi Yik to deliver if Malaysia fail to secure the first point.
Hoki-Kobayashi have often proven to be a difficult hurdle for the Malaysians but in their most recent meeting at last year’s Singapore Open, Aaron and Wooi Yik won. A win here would not only be crucial but also serve as redemption for their loss to the same pair in the Thomas Cup quarter-finals two years ago in Chengdu.
SECOND SINGLES
Justin Hoh (44) vs Yushi Tanaka (19)
Justin will face significant test going into this match, considering that all three of his previous encounters against Tanaka have ended in defeats. Tanaka had also beaten him when they met at the Asian Team Championships in Qingdao last February. Justin will need to give his all to try to prevent Tanaka from securing another victory, because if he loses, it will place considerable pressure on his teammates in the following matches.
SECOND DOUBLES
Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (9) vs Kakeru Kumagai-Hiroki Nishi (24)
The second doubles match could be decisive, especially if Japan win both singles matches. In such a tense situation, the experience of Sze Fei and Izzuddin will be vital in keeping composure and delivering a strong performance. They recently defeated Kumagai-Nishi in the first round of the All-England, which should provide a confidence boost heading into this encounter.
THIRD SINGLES
Lee Zii Jia (82) vs Koki Watanabe (20)
Zii Jia is likely to be Malaysia’s choice for the third singles, given his experience but odds are against him. Zii Jia, 28, may still be dealing with a dip in form due to past injuries. He has yet to register a victory over Watanabe in all three encounters, dating back to the Swiss Open 2023. He came closest to end the streak at the quarter-finals of the Arctic Open 2024, where he forced the match into a deciding rubber game before losing.
