BANGKOK, May 25 — The aspiration of the national Thomas Cup squad to advance to the semi-finals was dashed yesterday when they lost 1-3 to their traditional nemesis, Indonesia in the quarter-finals at the Impact Arena yesterday.
Malaysia started the race well with national ace Datuk Lee Chong Wei inspiring the national team with the opening point by disposing 21-year-old Indonesian youngster Anthony Ginting 21-19, 21-16.
However Rio Olympic Games 2016 silver medallist Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong failed to maintain their momentum when Indonesia redeemed their defeat in the first match through Marcus Fernaldi Gideon-Kevin Sanjaya Sukomuljo.
The Indonesian pair levelled the score by defeating V Shen-Wee Kiong 21-19, 20-22, 21-13.
Indonesia’s second point was contributed by its second singles, Christie Jonatan who beat the Malaysian rising star, Lee Zii Jia in three sets of, 21-15, 11-21 and 21-13.
Indonesia’s winning point came from their second doubles pair Alfian Fajar and Muhammad Rian Ardianto who defeated Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Teo Ee Yi by 3-1.
In the match, the Indonesian pair tamed the Malaysian players 21-18 in the first set but lost 10-21 in the second before claiming victory with 21-9 in the rubber set.
Indonesia will meet China in the semi-finals tomorrow, while defending champion Denmark will take on Japan.
Denmark booked their berth in the semis after defeating South Korea 3-0 while Japan recorded a 3-1 win over France and China thrashed Taiwan 3-0. — Bernama
