SHAH ALAM – Malaysia failed to defend their Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) title after losing out to China’s second team 0-3 at the Setia City Convention Centre today.
Leong Jun Hao who was the first to step on the court in the men’s single match following Lee Zii Jia’s absence due to his sinus condition.
The 24-year-old was no match against China’s world number 16 Weng Hongyang as he fell to a 19-21,17-21 defeat in a 51-minute match.
In the gripping showdown, Jun Hao, thrust into the spotlight as the lead men’s singles player, showcased grit and determination despite facing a formidable opponent.
“It was really hard for me. When I was told that I was going to play in the opening match this morning, I just kept preparing myself.
“I could have won the first set if I had not made any simple mistakes and gave away the points. I was doing my best to catch up to my opponent.
“I have been consistent throughout this tournament, but I just couldn’t keep up in the semis and final.
“I hope that I can be listed in this year’s Thomas Cup lineup based on my performance in BATC,” the shuttler said when met after his match.
However, Malaysia’s hopes were dashed in a heart-wrenching 66-minute clash as dynamic duo Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik’s efforts were crushed by minnows Xie Hao Nan-Zeng Wei Han.
Despite their world number five ranking, the Malaysian pair succumbed to the relentless onslaught of their 90th-ranked Chinese counterparts, succumbing 16-21, 21-16, 23-21.
“They played with remarkable composure compared to us, and we were short on luck and we felt the weight of expectations to win the tournament. That may have led to our defeat today.
“Zii Jia’s absence was not the cause of our defeat as we play as a team and not as individuals. We should have won this game for our country.
“We will take this as a lesson and hope to do better in the upcoming matches that we will be playing,” said the men’s team captain Wooi Yik when met after the match.
The devastating blow reached its climax in the third match as 19-year-old Eogene Ewe Eon had a bad birthday to remember after losing to Lei Lanxie, 10-21, 14-21, in two consecutive sets, handing China their inaugural BATC title since the tournament’s commencement in 2016.
Malaysia were the champions of the previous edition held in 2022, defeating Indonesia 3-0.
The setback, however, did not overshadow Malaysia’s qualification for the forthcoming Thomas Cup finals in China from April 28 to May 5 for being a top-four team in BATC. – February 18, 2024