Malaysia’s pursuit of a long-awaited victory over Japan in the Sudirman Cup will have to continue for another edition, after the national squad fell narrowly short in a thrilling 2-3 defeat during their final Group C encounter on Thursday (May 1) in Xiamen, China.
The showdown had all the makings of a breakthrough performance for Malaysia. The team began the tie with strong momentum, securing two impressive early wins that momentarily put them in a commanding 2-0 lead. Mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei opened proceedings with a composed and energetic display, toppling the scratch Japanese duo Hiroki Midorikawa and Arisa Higashino in straight sets, 21-19, 21-18, wrapping up the match in just 39 minutes.
Significant Victories on the International Stage
That early boost was further amplified when Leong Jun Hao delivered an inspiring performance in the men’s singles. Up against world number eight Kodai Naraoka, Jun Hao showed incredible grit and determination. After a dominant 21-8 opening set, he stumbled in the second game 13-21 but bounced back brilliantly to edge out the decider 21-18. It was a huge personal triumph and one of his most significant victories on the international stage.
With Malaysia leading 2-0, hopes soared that they might finally break the curse against the Japanese team. Those hopes intensified as Asian champions and Olympic bronze medalists Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik took to the court. The men’s doubles pair delivered a masterclass in the opening game, dominating their Japanese counterparts, Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi, 21-12. However, the tide began to turn in the second set.
Guided by former Malaysian star Lee Wan Wah, the Japanese pair regrouped and adjusted their strategy. They edged the second set 22-20 in a tense finish and narrowly prevailed in a heart-stopping rubber set 23-21. The match lasted a gruelling 69 minutes and marked a pivotal shift in the tie’s momentum.
Japan clawed their way back to 2-2 when rising star Tomoka Miyazaki dispatched Malaysia’s Goh Jin Wei in the women’s singles. The 21-year-old Miyazaki showed maturity beyond her years, taking down Jin Wei 21-14, 21-17 in a clinical performance that showcased her superior movement, court coverage, and tactical awareness.
The Acknowledged for Japan Badminton Team
After the match, a candid Jin Wei acknowledged the gap in quality. “She’s an incredible player, and it was an honour to play against her. I learned so much today. The gap between us was clear, especially in terms of court control and shuttle precision,” she admitted.
With both teams tied at 2-2, the decisive final point rested on the women’s doubles showdown between Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and the Japanese world number two duo, Chiharu Shida and Nami Matsuyama. In a gripping three-game contest filled with rapid exchanges and relentless energy, Malaysia’s pair fought valiantly, even taking the first game 21-18. But Shida and Matsuyama showcased their experience and composure under pressure to reverse the tide, winning the next two games 21-18, 21-18 and sealing Japan’s 3-2 overall victory.
Despite the narrow loss, Malaysia can hold their heads high for their spirited performance and resilience against one of the world’s strongest teams. The result confirmed Japan as Group C winners, while Malaysia advanced to the quarter-finals as the group runners-up.
The draw for the quarter-finals was scheduled to take place later the same night following the conclusion of all group stage matches. Both teams will now set their sights on the knockout rounds, with Malaysia hoping to ride their momentum and perhaps earn a chance for redemption.
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