Malaysia To Face Old Foe Indonesia In Sudirman Cup Quarters After Japan Reversal

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In the third and final Group D game held in Vantaa, Finland yesterday, 30 September, Malaysia's shuttlers were outclassed 4-1 by Japan.

The national contingent took an early lead via men's doubles stars Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, but from that point on Japan dominated proceedings without losing a single game.

Kisona Selvaduray lost to world number five women's singles juggernaut Akane Yamaguchi, before captain Lee Zii Jia was downed by world number one Kento Momota 21-18, 21-10.

The outcome was sealed as the women's doubles pair of Pearly Tan-Thinaah Muralitharan failed to capitalise on their opponents' injury, before Hoo Pang Ron and Cheah Yee See's loss rounded out the hiding in the final mixed doubles matchup.

After a narrow 3-2 win over England in the opening group match on 28 September, Malaysia had actually rested the roster which faced Japan in game two.

Despite the wholesale-rotation, our second stringers pulled off an impressive 5-0 win against Egypt, thus clinching early progression into the knockout rounds of the Sudirman Cup.

The young guns put on a measured display belying their tender years, with a notable win coming courtesy of 21-year-old men's singles hopeful Ng Tze Yong, who brushed aside Mohamed Mostafa Kamel 21-8, 21-2.

Progressing from Group D in second place, Malaysia has been drawn to face our old foe in an all-ASEAN clash, while Japan will take on Chinese Taipei.

These two matchups are scheduled to begin at 9pm Malaysian time tonight, 1 October.

Elsewhere, defending champions China take on the indomitable Denmark, while South Korea play Thailand in another titanic encounter.