PETALING JAYA: Debutant Justin Hoh was fired up to keep Malaysia alive, but the gulf in class against Li Shifeng proved too wide.
The 22-year-old went down 14-21, 13-21 to the world No. 7 in 44 minutes at Forum Horsens, as Malaysia slumped to a 0-3 defeat to defending champions China.
The loss also meant Malaysia’s long wait for a Thomas Cup title, which was last won in 1992 in Kuala Lumpur, goes on.
With Leong Jun Hao and Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik having already fallen, hopes rested on Justin to spark a comeback, but the breakthrough never came.
Humbled by the defeat, Justin said the campaign had still been a valuable learning experience.
“I think overall, I still don’t have enough experience in handling situations when I am leading or when my opponent is leading,” said the world No. 44 Justin.
“I enjoyed playing today (against Shifeng) and I did not put too much pressure on myself.
“My opponent played very well, so there is nothing much to say.
“I know I lost ... I still have a long way to go before becoming a top 10 player, so I will continue to try my best to keep learning and improving.
“This Thomas Cup has been a valuable experience for me.
“It was my first time playing as the first and second singles, and I faced higher-ranked opponents in every match.
“It has been a good learning experience for me,” added Justin.
The 26-year-old Jun Hao, who had come under heavy criticism, tried to rise to the occasion by putting up a strong fight against world No. 1 Shi Yuqi.
He did well to steal a game but he could not sustain the momentum and went down 10-21, 21-16, 9-21 in 67 minutes.
Jun Hao admitted Yuqi was too strong, even though the Chinese shuttler had been dealing with a stomach issue during their Group A tie against Canada earlier in the tournament.
“I may have rushed a few points in the third game and he came up with some sharp attacks,” said Jun Hao, who had failed to register a single win in this campaign.
“I feel I tried my very best today in the quarter-finals.”
Former world champions Aaron-Wooi Yik had to win the doubles to give Malaysia some hope but they found former world No. 5 Liang Weikeng-Wang Chang too hot to handle and went down 22-24, 14-21 in just 35 minutes.
The defeat was a frustrating one as Aaron-Wooi Yik had started well, but were unable to hold on to their advantage after taking the lead in the opening game.
It was their 10th defeat in 13 meetings against their Chinese foes.
With China sealing the tie after three matches, Goh Sze Fei-Tee Kai Wun and Lee Zii Jia did not get the chance to play.
