Malaysia Falls to China in Thomas Cup Quarters as Title Wait Continues

Jun Hao struggled badly in the first game. But the Malaysians fought back strongly in the second game. He was composed and forced errors from the top-ranked Chinese star during longer exchanges.

Malaysia clawed back into the tie for a moment. But the momentum dissipated quickly in the deciding game. Shi got away early while Jun Hao rushed key points and struggled to catch up.

“I felt that after losing the first game, I just had to stay positive and keep pushing myself point by point,” said Jun Hao after the match.

“After getting into the third game, it was not a good start. I may have rushed a few points, and he came up with some sharp attacks.”

The 26-year-old added he had given everything, even in defeat.

Aaron-Wooi Yik Fall Short in First Doubles Rubber

Then Malaysia’s hopes rested with world No. 2 pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik in the opening doubles. But the experienced duo could not deliver against the world No. 5 combination of Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang.

The Malaysians battled hard in a tense opening game and were level for long periods. But they could not close out key points at crucial junctures and lost the game 22-24 eventually.

Liang and Wang upped the ante in the second game and pushed the Malaysians onto the back foot. Aaron and Wooi Yik failed to match the pace of the rallies and eventually lost 14-21.

Malaysia needed a comeback, and Justin Hoh took on Li Shifeng in the second singles. The 22-year-old was promising early on, but could not match the consistency and attacking quality of the Chinese player and lost 14-21, 13-21.

Now China will meet Denmark or Thailand in the semifinals.