Malaysia lost the battle for the third spot at the Axiata Cup, falling against the Asia All Stars in Cheras.
The match concluded with a 2-2 draw and it was also tied 4-4 on games won by each team, so a countback on points won was needed to decide the winner.
In the end, Asia All Stars grabbed the third spot after a 147-140 points difference.
Team captain Wei Feng succumbed to Hun Yun 22-20, 21-16 in a match that was disrupted by lighting problems. World No. 6 Tai Tzu-ying then doubled the lead for the Asian side dominating Tee Jing Yi 21-12, 21-8.
Tan Wee Kiong-Tan Boon Heong powered past Manu Attri-Sumeeth Reddy 21-11, 21-13 to keep Malaysia’s hopes alive, then it was down to mixed doubles pair Chan Peng Soon-Lai Pei Jing to secure a big-margin win but all they could manage was a 21-19, 21-19 triumph over Lee Chun Hei-Chau Hoi Wah.
Meanwhile, Thailand overcame Indonesia by only two points to lift the Axiata Cup for the first time.
Both team were tied at 2-2 for matches won and 4-4 on games won and a countback for point difference was required to determine the winner.
Thailand, last year’s runners-up, won 140-138.
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