Malaysia recover to beat Finland after Jun Hao’s shock loss

Malaysia recover to beat Finland after Jun Hao’s shock loss

Men's team book quarter-final slot in the Thomas Cup and play Japan next to fight for the top spot in Group B.

Goh Sze Fei Nur Izzuddin
Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani delivered the winning point for Malaysia by defeating Eliel Melleri-Niilo Nyqvist in straight games. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA:
Malaysia staged a comeback to book a quarter-final berth in the Thomas Cup after Leong Jun Hao suffered a shock defeat in the first singles match against lowly Finland.

The national team put up a strong display in the next four matches to win 4-1, guaranteeing a slot in the last eight of the tournament being played in Horsens, Denmark.

Malaysia, which defeated England 3-2 yesterday, take on Japan on Wednesday for the top spot in Group B, which comes with a seeding in the fresh draw for the quarter-finals.

The 25th-ranked Jun Hao had gone down tamely to Finland’s world No 60 shuttler Joakim Oldorff in straight games of 21-17, 21-15 in 43 minutes.

Jun Hao, who was not fielded in the opener against England on Saturday, appeared lethargic as he made numerous unforced errors.

Justin Hoh levelled the score at 1-1 for Malaysia after sailing past Kalle Koljonen 21-14, 21-12 in 39 minutes.

Lee Zii Jia, ranked No 82, gave Malaysia the lead after defeating world No 706 shuttler Ananda Galvani Daniswara 21-19, 21-10 in the third singles in 35 minutes.

Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani then wrapped up the tie for Malaysia by beating Eliel Melleri-Niilo Nyqvist 21-12, 21-15 in 23 minutes.

Scratch pair Soh Wooi Yik-Tee Kai Wun also had little difficulty in beating Ananda Galvani-Alvar Melleri 21-7, 21-14 in the final match.

Malaysia have won the Thomas Cup five times so far, the last being in 1992.

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