The national men’s badminton squad qualified for the Thomas Cup semi-final after easing past Chinese Taipei 3-1 at the Kunshan Sports Centre in Kunshan, China earlier today.
Datuk Lee Chong Wei earned the first point for Malaysia when he defeated Chinese Taipei’s number one Chou Tien Chen 21-18, 21-18 in 48 minutes. The Republic of China brought the game level through doubles Lee Sheng Mu-Tsai Chia Hsin after Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong lost 21-16, 19-21, 19-21 in a match that lasted 59 minutes despite winning the first set.
Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin regained the lead for his country after he easily brought down Hsu Jen Hao 21-8, 21-13. Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong ensured a spot in the semi-final for Malaysia after defeating Chen Hung Ling-Wang Chi-Lin 21-16, 22-20. The former world No. 1 doubles pair showed character after coming back from behind a number of times.
Chong Wei Feng did not have to feature.
Malaysia will face either Denmark or Japan in the semi-final.
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