KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia maintained its winning momentum in the 2024 Thomas Cup campaign after defeating Algeria 5-0 in their second Group D tie today.
Independent men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia, who was the first to step onto the court, gave his side an early lead at the Hi-Tech Zone Sports Centre in Chengdu by easily defeating world number 187 Adel Hamek 21-8, 21-6 in a match that lasted 26 minutes.
It was the 26-year-old Kedahan’s first victory against Adel in their debut meeting in an international tournament.
Zii Jia said that today’s game was more of a warm-up for a tougher encounter against Denmark in his side’s next group match.
“It was an easy game today. But my main focus is to prepare for the match against Denmark, possibly against Viktor Axelsen – whom I haven’t played against for almost two years. I’m looking forward to that match.
“If I happen to play Viktor, I’m ready to give my 100%. But at the end of the day, it depends on my condition on that day.
“I have been struggling with my form over the past two years, but I will try to play my best if I play Viktor,” Zii Jia said in a post-match interview with BWF.
Cheam June Wei then easily swept aside Algeria’s Youcef Sabri Medel 21-9, 21-14 to give Malaysia a 2-0 lead.
Buoyed by their teammates’ wins, Choong Hon Jian-Muhammad Haikal showed dominance on the court as they demolished Sifeddine Larbaoui-Mohamed Abdelaziz Ouchefoun 21-8, 21-3 in a match that lasted only 17 minutes.
Afterwards, tournament debutant Justin Hoh went on to beat Mohamed Abderrahime Belarbi 21-10, 21-14 in the third men’s singles to give Malaysia a 4-0 lead.
The scratch pair of Nur Izzuddin Rumsani-Soh Wooi Yik then made it a perfect day for Malaysia with a 21-13, 21-9 victory over Koceila Mammeri-Youcef Sabri Medel to help the team keep a clean sheet.
With the win, Malaysia assured a place in the quarter-finals.
The squad will play favourites Denmark on Tuesday. – April 28, 2024