PETALING JAYA: Singles shuttler K. Letshanaa was all smiles after leading Malaysia’s women’s team to accomplish their main mission in the Uber Cup Finals in Horsens, Denmark, in swift fashion.
Yesterday, the 22-year-old delivered the opening point as Malaysia thrashed South Africa 5-0 in under two hours in their Group B tie to seal a quarter-final spot for the first time in 16 years.
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 today 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.
Letshanaa, who defeated Johanita Scholtz 21-6, 21-10 in just 22 minutes, said the team stayed focused despite facing lower-ranked opponents.
“It was a quick match, and it has given me more confidence to face Japan next,” said Letshanaa.
“I felt really good and stayed focused from the start.
“The main target was not to take anything lightly and to show that we were sharp from the beginning.”
Following Letshanaa’s strong start, Wong Ling Ching kept the momentum going by beating Chloe Lai 21-8, 21-4 in 20 minutes.
Siti Zulaikha Azmi then sealed the tie with a 21-11, 21-5 win over Elme de Villiers in 21 minutes.
All three singles matches were among the fastest of the day at Forum Horsens, with Malaysia maintaining their dominance by sweeping both doubles as well.
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 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.
