PETALING JAYA: Malaysia ended their long 16-year wait to be in the Uber Cup quarter-finals after they defeated South Africa in their second Group B tie on Sunday (April 26).
Malaysia faced little challenge against South Africa as the singles shuttlers got the job done by delivering three points before the doubles players took the court.
K. Letshanaa delivered the first point after she blew away Johanita Scholtz 21-6, 21-10 in 22 minutes at Forum Horsens.
Wong Ling Ching was even faster in her triumph over Chloe Lai as she needed just 20 minutes to win 21-8, 21-4.
Siti Zulaikha Azmi then gave Malaysia the winning point after she beat Elme de Villiers 21-11, 21-5 in 21 minutes.
Malaysia rested captain M. Thinaah, and in her absence, Ong Xin Yee–Carmen Ting secured a 21-16, 21-14 win over Amy Ackerman–Scholtz.
Pearly Tan’s replacement Chong Jie Yu then partnered Low Zi Yu as they defeated Elme de Villiers–Anri Schooness 21-12, 21-5.
The last time Malaysia progressed beyond the group stage was during the home edition in 2010.
Malaysia had earlier edged Turkiye 3-2 on Saturday and will face Japan on Monday (April 27) to complete their group fixtures.
Heavy favourites Japan also beat South Africa 5-0 and are expected to overcome Turkiye, with only the top two teams advancing to the knockout stage.
The Malaysia side will have to raise the bar in order to give Japan a good fight, but on paper, they should finish as the runners-up to advance to the last eight as the second ranked team in the group.
