KUCHING: Malaysia’s Uber Cup journey ended at the quarter-final stage, beaten 3-0 by defending champions China at Forum Horsens in Denmark today.
There was no shortage of fight. K. Letshanaa opened with intent, pushing world No.2 Wang Zhi Yi before going down 21-17, 21-18 in 47 minutes. It set the tone. Truly a valiant display from the Malaysian, however, it was met with an iron-clad resolve from Zhi Yi.
The doubles came closest. Ong Xin Yee and Carmen Ting stretched the world No.1 pair Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning to three games, taking the second 21-16 after dropping the first. China held firm to close it 21-14, 16-21, 21-13 after 79 minutes.
China did not wait. Chen Yu Fei sealed the tie with a 21-10, 21-10 win over Wong Ling Ching, capitalising on a string of unforced errors to put the result beyond reach in the 36 minutes affair.
Malaysia came in with youth, resting team captain M. Thinaah and handing responsibility to the next wave. They were tested by the standard. Sixteen titles. Depth across the board.
But within the scoreline sat moments that matter. Letshanaa made Wang work. The doubles made the top pair sweat. Against China, that counts.
Malaysia exit, but not empty-handed. This was a return to the last eight after 16 years. A reminder that the next generation is already knocking.
