PETALING JAYA: Malaysia booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Thomas Cup after beating Finland 4-1 on Monday (April 27), despite another disappointing outing from Leong Jun Hao.
In the tie at Forum Horsens, Jun Hao, who returned as first singles, suffered a surprise 17-21, 15-21 defeat to world No. 60 Joakim Oldorff.
Fortunately for Malaysia, Justin Hoh levelled the tie at 1-1 after brushing aside Kalle Koljonen 21-14, 21-12.
Lee Zii Jia, fielded as third singles, was pushed hard by Ananda Daniswara but still delivered Malaysia’s second point with a 21-19, 21-10 win in 35 minutes.
Malaysia then secured overall victory when men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani comfortably beat Eliel Melleri-Niilo Nyqvist 21-12, 21-15 for a 3-1 lead.
After Malaysia had already secured victory, scratch pair Soh Wooi Yik-Tee Kai Wun still impressed by thrashing Daniswara and Alvar Melleri 21-7, 21-14.
Malaysia will face Japan in their final Group B tie on Wednesday (April 29) to decide the group winners.
