The Malaysian men’s team stumbled to a 3-2 opening defeat to Thailand in their opening Group C match of the E-Plus Badminton Asia Team Championships here in Alor Star.
While Datuk Wira Lee Chong Wei gave Malaysia the first point when he disposed Thailand’s Khosit Phetpradab 21-13, 21-9, the lead was dashed by Thai pair Kittinupong Kedren-Decaphol Puavaranukroh.
The Thai duo crushed Malaysian national shuttlers Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong 21-16, 19-21, 20-22 in 54 minutes.
Malaysia then regained the lead through youngster Lee Zii Jia beating Suppanyu Avihingsanon 21-14, 21-12 as the Thais then levelled again through Tinn Isriyanet-Kittisak Namdash.
They beat Malaysia’s Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi 21-17, 21-11.
The match was over when Thailand’s Kantaphon Wangchareon ousted national shuttler Iskandar Zulkarnain (Mas) 21-13, 21-14 in 43 minutes.
“This tournament is important to all of us and we want to qualify for the Thomas Cup Finals. I hope with my presence here, we can build our confidence together towards the Finals,” said Chong Wei. – BY ALVIN OH
RESULTS
Malaysia lost to Thailand 3-2
(Malaysians first)
Lee Chong Wei bt Khosit Phetpradab (Tha) 21-13, 21-9
Goh V Shem – Tan Wee Kiong lost to Kittinupong Kedren – Decaphol Puavaranukroh 21-16, 19-21, 20-22
Lee Zii Jia bt Suppanyu Avihingsanon 21-14, 21-12
Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee yi lost to Tinn Isriyanet-Kittisak Namdash 21-17, 21-11
Iskandar Zulkarnain lost to Kantaphon Wangchareon 21-13, 21-14
