CHENGDU, April 29 – Malaysia cruised into the quarterfinals of the 2024 Thomas Cup competition after whipping Algeria 5-0 in their second Group D match on Sunday.
The national camp made several changes, including fielding independent men’s singles player, Cheam June Wei and rising duo, Choong Hon Jian-Muhammad Haikal Nazri against the African region, regarded as minnows in the sport of badminton.
Malaysia’s second singles, Leong Jun Hao as well as two doubles players – Aaron Chia and Goh Szei Fei – were rested while team captain Soh Wooi Yik partnered Nur Izzuddin Rumsani as the second doubles of the day.
All Malaysian players had relatively enjoyed an easy passage against their opponents at the Chengdu High-Tech Zone Sports Centre.
Malaysia’s main singles player Lee Zii Jia who barely lost any sweat to give Malaysia an early lead by thumping Adel Hamek 21-8, 21-6 said the match served as a good warm up ahead of Wednesday’s final group fixture against 2016 champions, Denmark.
“Considering that tomorrow will be an off day for us, I requested to be fielded in the match today, so that it can serve as a preparation when facing Denmark,” he told reporters at the mixed zone.
Malaysia, five-times champions, followed Denmark to the quarter-finals after the European giants hammered Hong Kong 5-0.
