PETALING JAYA: Malaysia missed out on topping Group B after going down 2-3 to Japan in their final group tie of the Thomas Cup in Horsens, Denmark on Wednesday (April 29).
Malaysia got off to a poor start when Leong Jun Hao lost 11-21, 15-21 to Kodai Naraoka.
Malaysia then fielded a scratch pairing of Aaron Chia-Tee Kai Wun, and they delivered by beating Kakeru Kumagai-Hiroki Nishi 16-21, 21-14, 21-19 to level the tie.
However, Japan regained the lead after Justin Hoh went down 15-21, 12-21 to Yushi Tanaka.
Takumi Nomura-Yuichi Shimogami then sealed the win for Japan by defeating Nur Izzuddin Rumsani-Soh Wooi Yik 21-14, 19-21, 19-21.
Although the tie was already decided, Lee Zii Jia, who played in the final match, reduced the deficit after beating Koki Watanabe 21-13, 21-19.
It was also Zii Jia’s first win over Watanabe.
The defeat does not affect Malaysia’s progress, as they still advance to the quarter-finals as Group B runners-up behind Japan.
