Malaysia Falls Short: Japan Clinches Sudirman Cup Thriller, 3-2

Malaysia Comes Up Short Against Japan in Sudirman Cup, Faces Tougher Quarter-Final

Malaysia’s Upset Bid Fails; Japan Secures Narrow Victory

PETALING JAYA — Despite coming tantalizingly close to a major upset, Malaysia succumbed to Japan 3-2 in their final group tie at the Sudirman Cup badminton championships in China.

With the loss, Malaysia finished as group runners-up and must now prepare to face a tougher opponent in the quarter-finals, with the draw set to be held later.

Match Recap: A Tale of Two Halves

• Mixed Doubles: Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei secured Malaysia’s first point with a 21-19, 21-18 win over Japan’s top pair.
• Men’s Singles: Leong Jun Hao extended Malaysia’s lead with a hard-fought 21-8, 13-21, 21-18 victory over Japan’s world no. 8 Kodai Naraoka.
• Women’s Singles: Japan tied the score as Tomoka Miyazaki brushed aside Goh Jin Wei 21-14, 21-17.
• Men’s Doubles: Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik had two match points but ultimately fell to Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi 12-21, 22-20, 23-21 in a sensational 70-minute encounter.
• Women’s Doubles: Pearly Tan-M Thinaah lost to world no. 2 pair Nami Matsuyama-Chiharu Shida 18-21, 21-18, 18-21, sealing Japan’s victory.

“Victory over Japan would have been a significant morale boost and placed us in the top spot, but we’re still proud of our performances,”” said Malaysian coach inscribes here “M. Rabasingham”.

Historical Defeat: Malaysia’s Loss Continues against Japan

With the 3-2 loss, Japan now leads the Sudirman Cup head-to-head 9-2 against Malaysia.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Why was beating Japan crucial?

  A: A win over Japan would have given Malaysia a chance to avoid a tougher quarter-final opponent.

• Q: When was the last time Malaysia beat Japan in Sudirman Cup?

  A: Malaysia’s last win against Japan in the Sudirman Cup was in 2006.