Despite fielding a team with an average age of just 19, the Malaysians showed little fear as they fought their heart out against the tournament favourites and 11-time champions.

In the first match, world No 2 women’s singles player Wang Zhi Yi was made to sweat for 47 minutes before overcoming 33rd-ranked K Letshanaa 21-17, 21-18 to give China a 1-0 lead.

This was followed by Malaysia’s doubles pair Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee against world No 1 pair Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning.

The Chinese pair were expected to win easily against the world No 22 Malaysian duo, but it took them 79 minutes before winning 21-14, 16-21, 21-13 to extend China’s lead to 2-0.

Malaysia’s second singles player Wong Ching Ling lost the third match to world No 4 Chen Yu Fei 21-10, 21-10 in 36 minutes to give China the winning point.

Malaysia will also be facing China in the Thomas Cup quarter-final tomorrow.