Malaysia, seeded fifth, will have to deliver their best against Japan in their opening men’s team match or face the possibility of an early exit here. The Malaysians, weakened by the absence of their star, Datuk Wira Lee Chong Wei, have every reason to be concerned after today’s draw.

As the team tournament in the Asian Games is on a knockout format, the Malaysians can’t afford to slip up if they intend to stay on track of their target to deliver a medal in Jakarta. But third seeded Japan, with newly crowned world champion Kento Momota leading the charge, it will be an uphill battle for the Malaysians.

Meanwhile the top two seeds, China and hosts Indonesia head straight into the quarterfinals, reigning Asian Games men’s team champion, Korea will open their campaign against Thailand on Sunday.

“It is an interesting draw with exciting matches from day one,” said Asian Games badminton Technical Delegate, Greg Kim, who is also the secretary general of Badminton Asia.

Chinese Taipei, who also had a first-round bye in the draw conducted today, will join China and Indonesia in the next round. Chinese Taipei, should they get past either Pakistan or Nepal next, are likely to face China in the semis. The Chinese, the No.1 seeds here and silver medallists at the last Asiad, will meet the winner of the Hong Kong China-Mongolia before the possible battle with Chinese Taipei.

 

At the lower half of the draw, Indonesia, seeded second and well within grasp of claiming the gold, will battle the winner of the Maldives-India clash. To remain on track to win the team title, the Indonesians must prevail in the semis against either Korea, Thailand, Malaysia or Japan.

PBSI Achmad Budiharto, secretary general of the PBSI, said he was pleased with the way the draw was conducted. “It was a very fair draw. For Indonesia through, we are in a tough half and it will be difficult in the semi-finals. We must face whomever we meet and give our best. We do have the advantage of playing at home.”

In the women’s draw, five teams – defending champs China, topseed Japan, Korea, India and Thailand – moved into the next round after they all received first round byes. Mongolia withdrew from the women’s team event.

The first round will see three battles involving hosts Indonesia vs Hong Kong China, Pakistan vs Chinese Taipei and Maldives vs Nepal.

 

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