PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s decision to field scratch pairings against Japan in their Group B decider at the Thomas Cup Finals in Horsens yesterday brought mixed results.
The squad led by captain Aaron Chia had hoped to emerge as group champions but went down fighting 2-3 at the Forum Horsens.
Both Malaysia and Japan have already confirmed their places in tomorrow’s quarter-finals and will now be hoping for a favourable draw, which will be made today.
Malaysia were banking on Leong Jun Hao to get off to a strong start, but his struggles continued as he went down 11-21, 15-21 to Kodai Naraoka.
It was his second defeat in six meetings.
Aaron then stepped in with new partner Tee Kai Wun, and the pair delivered the equaliser, although they were pushed all the way before sealing a 21-16, 14-21, 19-21 win over Kakeru Kumagai-Hiroki Nishi in 65 minutes.
Aaron was pleased that his partnership with Kai Wun paid off.
“I think we are quite an equal pairing because we can play with anyone. We train every day, even though we are a scratch pair,” said Aaron.
“But this was our first match together, so in terms of momentum and rhythm, it was a bit tricky.
“I think we will get better with time,” said Aaron in an interview with the Badminton World Federation.
With Malaysia at 1-1, all eyes turned to Justin Hoh but he suffered the same fate against Yushi Tanaka, losing 15-21, 12-21.
Malaysia was hoping to nail their second point through Soh Wooi Yik-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani but they let slip a comfortable lead in the deciding game before losing to Takumi Nomura-Yuichi Shimogami 21-14, 19-21, 19-21.
Wooi Yik felt they had done well overall and given their best alongside Izzuddin, but admitted they were too rushed in trying to finish the match.
“We gave our best, but we just couldn’t get it done,” said Wooi Yik.
“We were not patient enough to close out the game and that cost us today.”
In the last match, Lee Zii Jia did his part by beating Koki Watanabe 21-13, 21-19 to prove that he could be counted on as the third singles.
“I needed this win... I have not beaten a top player since coming back from my injury, so this is good personally for me,” he said.
“We are happy to finish as the runners-up and reach the quarter-finals.
“We will see who we will meet next.”
