Japan a major stumbling block for Malaysia in fight to top group
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia may have booked their place in the Sudirman Cup quarter-finals, but the real battle begins today when they take on Japan in a high-stakes Group C decider.
Both teams go into the tie with identical records, having posted convincing wins over France and Australia. Victory will determine the group winner and could prove crucial in securing a more favourable draw for the knockout stage.
For Malaysia, almost all players have been given the opportunity to showcase their abilities against France and Australia, except for men's doubles pair Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and mixed doubles duo Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin.
Even so, there are still concerns in certain areas, as the team have yet to display their best form despite facing lower-ranked opponents.
For example, Justin Hoh admitted that he struggled with the drift at the Fenghuang Gymnasium in Xiamen during his match against Australia's world No. 302, Shrey Dhand.
'Since this was my first match, I found it quite difficult to adjust to the conditions. The strong drift inside the hall made it hard to control the shuttle,' said Justin.
'I tried to play at a faster pace and I'm really happy to have won the match.
'I hope to perform better in the next one.'
Additionally, women's doubles pair Go Pei Kee-Carmen Ting were unable to maintain Malaysia's perfect record against Australia, falling to Gronya Somerville-Angela Yu 15-21, 18-21.
Thus it will be a tough challenge for Malaysia as the team have yet to find their best form in several areas, despite a 5-0 win over France and a 4-1 victory against Australia yesterday.
Clashes between Malaysia and Japan have become a familiar feature in the mixed team championship, whether in the early rounds or the business end of the competition.
But if history is anything to go by, Malaysia have often found Japan to be a major stumbling block.
Back in 2017 in Gold Coast, Malaysia, led by Datuk Lee Chong Wei, lost a tight group match 2-3.
The two sides met again in the quarter-finals, with Japan coming out on top 3-1.
The rivalry resumed in 2019 in Nanning, where Japan once again dashed Malaysia's hopes with a 3-0 win in the last eight.
Two years later in Vantaa, Finland, the teams were drawn in the same group. Despite a spirited effort, Malaysia went down 1-4. Still, the young squad managed to end the country's 12-year medal drought in the tournament by claiming bronze.
With the stakes raised and a potential top spot on the line, Malaysia will be hoping to finally turn the tables on their long-time rivals.
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