Malaysia vs China possible match up

Leong Jun Hao

FIRST SINGLES

Leong Jun Hao (25) vs Shi Yuqi

It shapes up as a classic David vs Goliath clash, and Jun Hao will need to dig deep and draw on every ounce of resolve if he hopes to pull off an upset.

Otherwise, he risks suffering a similar fate to their first meeting at last year’s Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, where he led Malaysia’s charge in the men’s singles but was outclassed 6-21, 14-21.

Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik

FIRST DOUBLES

Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (2) vs Liang Weikeng-Wang Chang (5)

Weikeng-Wang Chang hold a commanding edge in the head-to-head, having won nine of their 12 previous meetings against Aaron-Wooi Yik.

Still, Aaron-Wooi Yik have shown they can rise to the occasion. They will need to stay composed and deliver a point here, as defeat would place added pressure on Malaysia’s second singles to keep the tie alive.

Li Shifeng

SECOND SINGLES

Justin Hoh (44) vs Li Shifeng (7)

On paper, this too appears a mismatch in terms of rankings, although both players have yet to face each other on the international stage.

Shifeng has not been at his best of late, following an early first-round exit at the Badminton Asia Championships, where he lost to India’s Ayush Shetty, who went on to finish runner-up.

Justin can take inspiration from that result as he looks to mount a strong challenge and potentially spring a surprise.

Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani

SECOND DOUBLES

Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (7) vs He Jiting-Ren Xiangyu (99)

Sze Fei-Izzuddin are likely to get the nod for this tie, especially with Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun holding an unfavourable record of three straight defeats against the Chinese pair.

In contrast, Sze Fei-Izzuddin are evenly matched with Jiting-Xiangyu at 2-2. Still, the Chinese duo remain a threat despite their limited recent outings together, as shown by their bronze medal finish in Ningbo.

Malaysia’s pair must stay alert, as a slip-up here could prove costly for the team.

Weng Hongyang

THIRD SINGLES

Lee Zii Jia (82) vs Weng Hongyang (15)

If the tie goes down to the wire, the deciding third singles could be a tightly contested affair. Zii Jia and Hongyang are evenly matched, each having won three of their six previous encounters.

Their last meeting, at the Indonesian Open two years ago, was a fiercely fought battle.

Zii Jia will need to be at his very best if Malaysia are to seal victory in this crucial tie.