KUCHING: Team Malaysia kept their Thomas Cup campaign on track with a commanding 4-1 win over Finland in their Group B Round Two tie, booking a place in the quarter-finals with growing belief in the Denmark-based tournament.
It was not all smooth sailing early on.
Leong Jun Hao went down 17-21, 15-21 to Joakim Oldorff as Finland struck first, but the response that followed was clinical and assured.
Justin Hoh steadied the charge with a composed 21-14, 21-12 win over Kalle Koljonen before Lee Zii Jia took control, edging a tight opener and cruising through the second to beat Ananda G. Danisware 21-19, 21-10.
The momentum only grew stronger.
The men’s doubles pairing of Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani delivered a no-nonsense 21-12, 21-15 victory. Tee Kai Wun and Soh Wooi Yik then wrapped up the tie emphatically with a 21-7, 21-14 win.
A strong response, and a statement of intent.
Malaysia’s best finish in the past decade remains their semi-final run in the 2024 edition, while their last title triumph dates back to 1992, a reminder of the mountain still to climb.
But on current form, this squad looks increasingly capable of pushing beyond that mark.
What awaits them in their final Group B tie is 2014 champions Japan on Wednesday.
