M'sia cruise in second match
Published on: Wednesday, May 23, 2018
BANGKOK: The Malaysian Thomas Cup squad decided to rest Datuk Lee Chong Wei for the group stage match against Algeria Tuesday, but still cruised to a 5-0 victory over the North African side.The decision was likely made to keep the 35-year-old fresh for the final group stage match against defending champions Denmark Wednesday.Malaysia are hoping to win against Denmark to receive a favourable draw in the quarter-finals, which take place on Thursday.ADVERTISEMENT Lee Ji Zia who replaced Chong Wei, easily subdued his rival Youcef Sabri Medel, 21-16, 21-13.Second singles player Iskandar Zulkarnain also easily overcame Mohamed Abderrahime Belarbi 21-7, 21-9, while third singles player, Leong Jun Hao beat Adel Hamek 21-13, 21-8.First doubles pair Mohamad Arif Latif-Teo Ee Yi defeated Koceila Mammer-Youcef Sabri 21-12, 21-10, while second pair Aaron Chia-Wooi Yik Soh downed Mahamed Abderrahime-Adel Hamek 21-11, 21-15.The match against Denmark begins at 7pm Wednesday.ADVERTISEMENT Meanwhile, the national Uber Cup squad failed to advance to the quarter-finals of the 2018 Uber Cup tournament after losing 1-4 to defending champions, China at Impact Arena here, Tuesday.It is the second loss for the national squad after being beaten 2-3 by Indonesia Monday.
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In the match, China clinched their first point through their first singles Chen Yufei who was stretched to three sets by Sonia Cheah before prevailing 18-21, 22- 20 and 21-18. China continued to collect their second point via doubles Chen Qiangchen and Jia Yifan who crushed Goh Yea Ching and Cho Fie Soong 21-9 and 21-8.However, Malaysia's second singles, Goh Jin Wei closed the gap when she shocked China's He Binjiao 21-9, 17-21 and 21-13. Stunned by the loss in the second singles, China charged back through their second doubles, Huang Dongping and Yu Zheng to hammer Chow Mei Kuan and Vivian Hoo 21-19, 21-15 for winning point.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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China wrapped up the challenge 4-1 when Gao Fanjie defeated Lee Ying Ying 21-16, 21-15. Malaysia will meet France in the last match Wednesday. – Bernama