The Thomas Cup qualifying squad was untroubled as they recorded their first win at the Badminton Asia Team Championships in Hyderabad, India after defeating Sri Lanka 4-1 yesterday.
Zulfadli Zulkiffli won the first point for the country when he defeated Nimmika Thisara 21-4, 21-6 at the GMC Balayogi Stadium.
Malaysia was 2-0 up when team captain, Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin won 21-16, 21-18 in straight sets over Sachin Dias. However, Soo Teck Zhi lost the third men’s singles match to Buwenaka Goonathileka 14-21, 17-21.
The national men’s doubles, Low Juan Shen-Tan Kian Meng confirmed Malaysia’s victory after defeating Imesh Hasaranga-Madusha Vibhavi 21-6, 21-12, followed by Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi who defeated Dias-Goonathileka 21-12, 21-13.
According to Iskandar, all of the players gave their best despite the great challenge from the Sri Lankan players.
“Their men’s singles played very well yesterday but we managed to overcome them,” he said to Arena Metro.
“This was not a warm-up match, because everyone here wants to record a win. Moreover, we are still fresh and I hope everyone will continue to perform at the highest level,” he added.
Malaysia faces Nepal today in their second match, before ending their Group A campaign against Japan.
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