Malaysia have progressed into the next stage of the Sudirman Cup as group winners after claiming a 3-2 win over India last night.
Men’s doubles duo Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong secured the first win after defeating Mannu Attri and Sumith Reddy in two straight sets 21-16 and 21-15.
However, Tee Jing Yi could not deny the Indian powerhouse Saina Nehwal and as she sealed equalizer after 44 minute battle. Jing Yi suffered a close 22-24 defeat in the first round and eventually gave in to the world number two in the second set, losing 13-21.
Former world number one Lee Chong Wei then proved his mettle by restoring Malaysia’s 2-1 lead by thrashing current world number four Srikanth Kidambi in just under 40 minutes. He won both sets 21-15, 21-16.
Women’s doubles pair Vivian Hoo and Woon Khe Wei were knocked off for the second consecutive time after their disheartening performance against South Korea. The Malaysian pair won the first set against Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa 21-18 but encountered a rubber set after they were defeated 19-21 in the second set. The third set was conquered by the Indian duo 21-15, instantly making the score 2-2.
Nonetheless, Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying continued their dominance and spurred Malaysia to a victory by beating Arun Vishnu and Sikki Reddy 21-14, 21-18 in the mixed doubles section.
Photo credits: badmintonlink.com
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