KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 — Malaysia’s Sudirman Cup campaign fizzled out at the quarterfinal stage after the national shuttlers went down 1-3 to South Korea in Dongguan, China, tonight, three days after beating the same team 3-2 in a group match.
Once men’s doubles pair Tan Wee Kiong/Goh V Shem lost 18-21, 16-21 to Lee Yong Dae/Yoo Yeon Seong, whom they beat on Monday, the writing was on the wall.
Malaysia were 0-2 down when Tee Jing Yi lost 17-21, 12-21 to Sung Ji Hyun in the women’s singles before Datuk Lee Chong Wei came on court.
Though Chong Wei swept aside Son Wan Ho in straight sets 21-17, 21-12 to reduce the deficit, Malaysia’s dreams ended when women’s doubles Vivian Hoo/Woo Khe Wei went down fighting to Chang Ye Na/Jung Kyung Eun, 23-21, 16-21, 11-21.
Chong Wei said though Malaysia failed to make the semifinals, he was happy with the commitment and fighting spirit of the players throughout the competition.
“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. — Bernama
