PETALING JAYA: The match against Japan today is not just about deciding the Group B winners of the Thomas Cup, but also about restoring pride for the national team after an unconvincing start in their opening two ties.
Both Japan and Malaysia have already secured their places in the quarter-finals, having recorded two wins each against England and Finland.
However, independent shuttler Lee Zii Jia wants Malaysia to finish the group stage on a high, as topping the group could offer an advantage in the quarter-final draw.
“Definitely, we will try to win the match and become the winners of the group. It might be an advantage,” said Zii Jia in a post-match interview with the Badminton World Federation.
Despite Japan’s strong reputation, Malaysia’s team have shown they can match Japan, having beaten them in their last two meetings in the competition.
The situation is similar to the 2022 edition in Bangkok, where Malaysia defeated Japan 3-2 to emerge as Group D winners.
That momentum continued in the following edition in Chengdu, with Malaysia eliminating Japan 3-1 in the quarter-finals.
Ironically, Zii Jia was also involved in both victories, contributing points as the first singles.
However, for today’s tie, Zii Jia is set to feature as the third singles and set to take on Yudai Okimoto.
Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh, who are now viewed as weak links following their poor performances in recent matches, will take on Yushi Tanaka and Koki Watanabe respectively.
Jun Hao, who featured against Finland on Monday, conceded a point to Joakim Oldorff, forcing his teammates to work hard to secure a 4-1 comeback win for Malaysia.
Justin hopes to redeem himself.
“I’m really happy to contribute a point for Malaysia (against Finland). My performance was quite good, and my confidence is back.
“I hope I can keep winning and be ready for the next match,” said Justin in an interview with the Badminton Association of Malaysia.
It will be interesting in the men’s doubles.
Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are likely to face Takuro Hoki-Hiroki Midorikawa and this should be a point that Malaysia should win.
In the second doubles, Malaysia may field Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun or Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and they could face Kakeru Kumagai-Hiroki Nishi or Takumi Nomura-Yuichi Shimogami.
Malaysia should win the two doubles and one point from Zii Jia to assure a win against Japan.
POSSIBLE LINE-UP
MALAYSIA vs JAPAN
FIRST SINGLES
Leong Jun Hao (25) vs Yushi Tanaka (19)
Japan could opt to rest world No. 9 Kodai Naraoka again, with Jun Hao holding a perfect record against him after winning all four of their previous meetings. However, Tanaka has the edge over Jun Hao, having won both of their past encounters, including at the Indian Open in January. Jun Hao will need to respond strongly, or at least rediscover the form that once earned him the reputation as a team event specialist.
FIRST doubles
Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (2) vs Takuro Hoki-Hiroki Midorikawa (-)
Aaron and Wooi Yik have found Hoki a difficult opponent in the past when he was paired with Yugo Kobayashi. With Kobayashi absent, there is little to read into Hoki’s current partnership with Midorikawa, especially after their comfortable win over Finland’s Eliel Melleri-Niilo Nyqvist. Regardless, Aaron-Wooi Yik cannot afford to drop this point, as it could leave Malaysia on the back foot.
Second singles
Justin Hoh (44) vs Koki Watanabe (20)
Justin is likely to be fielded as the second singles after regaining confidence with his win over Kalle Koljonen on Monday. However, he can expect a sterner test against Watanabe, who has been solid so far, beating England’s Cholan Kayan and Finland’s Eliel Melleri in the earlier ties.
Second doubles
Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (7) vs Kakeru Kumagai-Hiroki Nishi (24)
Malaysia may continue to rest Man Wei Chong to avoid risking his still-recovering knee, especially with a quarter-final spot already secured. That could see Sze Fei-Izzuddin given the nod, with the pair yet to face Kumagai-Nishi, setting up a potentially close contest.
Third singles
Lee Zii Jia (82) vs Yudai Okimoto (37)
Zii Jia and Okimoto have both been dependable as third singles, remaining unbeaten in their first two ties. If the contest goes the distance, this match could prove decisive in determining the Group B winners.
