PETALING JAYA: The warm-up is over. It’s time to turn up the heat in the Thomas Cup Finals.
Men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia believes the stuttering start against England in their opening Group B tie on Saturday will serve as a rude awakening for Malaysia.
The 28-year-old drew on his experience to emerge as the hero, defeating Nadeem Dalvi 21-13, 21-11 to secure the winning point at Forum Horsens.
Malaysia were in a precarious position after being held 2-2 following defeats by Justin Hoh and Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin, and wins from Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun.
Justin suffered a surprise 19-21, 19-21 loss to world No. 62 Harry Huang, but Aaron-Wooi Yik steadied the ship with a 21-19, 21-13 win over Oliver Butler-Samuel Jones.
Aidil then fell 16-21, 15-21 to world No. 153 Cholan Kayan, before Wei Chong-Kai Wun restored order by beating Alex Green-Zach Russ 21-14, 21-14.
All eyes were on Zii Jia as he made his return from injury, and he did not disappoint.
“I’m happy to have sealed the win for the team, but this will make us stay wary ahead of our next two group matches,” said Zii Jia.
“It was a good warm-up for the team.
“I didn’t expect England to push us this far. I thought it would end 4-1, but while I was warming up, it became 2-2.
“I wasn’t feeling too pressured as I was more excited that it was tied and had to think about what I needed to do,” he said.
Zii Jia’s real test will come against Japan on Wednesday, but Malaysia must first face Finland today, where they are expected to win 5-0.
Japan had little trouble in their opener, brushing aside Finland 5-0 on Saturday.
Meanwhile, national doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi had a mixed reaction to Wei Chong’s performance.
“His condition was fine during the match, but I don’t think he was at his maximum level of play,” said Herry.
Malaysia could consider resting either Wei Chong-Kai Wun or Aaron-Wooi Yik, with Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani in line for their first appearance.
