Malaysia have been knocked out of the 2015 Sudirman Cup after falling to a frustrating 3-1 defeat at the hands of South Korea in their quarter-finals tie yesterday.
Having defeated them in the group stage, Lee Chong Wei and co were determined to continue their good run of form, but they had to take a backseat from the get-go after Tan Wee Kiong and Goh V Shem lost the first match to Lee Young Dae and Yoo Yeon Seong.
Malaysians were grieving even more after Tee Jing Yi bowed out 17-21, 12-21 to Sung Ji Hyun in the women’s singles section, giving South Korea a 2-0 lead.
However, there was a mini revival as Lee Chong Wei managed to hatch the zero by bludgeoning Korean number one Son Wan Ho in two straight sets 21-17, 21-12.
Women’s doubles pair Vivian Hoo and Woon Khe Wei were knocked out for the third consecutive time in the competition as Chang Ye Na and Jung Kyung Eun proved too powerful for them. This immediately sent the nation packing with a deficit of 1-3.
The Malaysian duo was caught up in an intense battle in the first match before bagging a 23-21 win. The Korean duo bounced back and eventually set a rubber match when they were defeated 16-21 in the second set. Things came to an end after a disheartening third set, where they were outplayed 11-21, handing South Korea the entry to the next round.
Despite the forlorn game play, the nation had achieved its goal to advance till the quarter finals. Moreover, Lee Chong Wei was satisfied with the team’s performance.
“I am certainly pleased with my own performance. We Saw V Shem- Wee Kiong try their best but their effort fell short. The support from the fans was however, fantastic,” he said after the match.
Photo credits: sportskeeda.com
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