PETALING JAYA, Feb 8 — Malaysia battled hard but could not overcome Thailand’s singles strength as they went down 3-2 in the final Group Y match of the Badminton Asia Team Championships in Alor Star today.

Malaysia, who have already qualified for tomorrow’s quarterfinals, held their own in the doubles but lost all three singles.

Nitchaon Jindapol gave Thailand a winning start when she beat Soniia Cheah 21-14 21-15 but Malaysia drew level through first doubles Vivian Hoo-Tee Jing Yi who secured a 19-21, 21-16, 21-15 win over Chayanit Chaladchalam-Phataimas Muenwong.

Goh Jin Wei lost 21-19, 21-17 to Pornpawee Chochuwong in the second singles but Chow Mei Kuan-Goh Yea Ching’s 21-15, 21-15 win over Puttita Supajirakul-Sapsiree Taerattanachai gave Malaysia a slim hope.

It was quaickly wiped off in the third singles by Busanan Ongbamrungphan who earned Thailand’s victory by beating Lim Yin Fun 23-21, 22-20.