Malaysia qualifies for Uber Cup finals

Malaysia qualifies for Uber Cup finals

Agence France-Presse, Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia qualified for the finals of badminton's prestigious Uber Cup after beating India 4-1 in their final preliminary group match here Friday.

The win marked the first time Malaysia's women have reached the finals of the tournament on merit, following previous appearances in 1992 and 2000 when they qualified as hosts.

Malaysia however faces an uphill task in the semifinal of Asian qualifiers later Friday as they will be up against South Korea, whereas the other semis sees Japan play Taiwan. All four teams have qualified for the Uber Cup.

Malaysia went 1-0 ahead when Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Wong Mew Choo defeated 1998 Commonwealth Games silver medalist Aparna Popat 11-9, 11-2.

Wong Pei Tty and Chin Eei Hui gave Malaysia a 2-0 lead by defeating Kurian Shruti and Jwala Gutta 15-5, 15-12.

India had its backs against the wall and Meenakshi BR was helpless to save the match as she lost to Woon Sze Mei 9-11, 9-11 in 32 minutes.

Though Nazneen Fatima M-Kanwar Manjusha lost to Fong Chew Yen- Ooi Sock Ai 13-15, 3-15, Murgunde Trupti saved the blushes for India by defeating Norsyahliza Baharum 11-7, 11-6 in the third singles.

In another match this morning Japan defeated Hong Kong 4-1 to ensure that it topped Group A and avoids meeting South Korea in the last four.

On Thursday, China booked its place in the men's Thomas Cup finals in May after defeating Thailand 4-1, to join South Korea, Japan and host Malaysia in the last four.

China was given a rude awakening when Boonsak Polsana defeated world number one Chen Hong 8-15, 15-12, 15-11 in the first singles, the first time the Thai had got the better of Chen Hong.

However Thailand missed the chance of pulling off mighty upset when its top doubles pair, Sudket Prapakamol-Patapol Ngernsrisuk, lost to Cai Yun and Fu Hai Feng 15-11, 15-5.

China went on to win the second singles through Lin Dan, who was stretched to three games before overcoming Thiraya Laohathaimongkol 11-15, 15-1, 15-4.

Doubles pair Sang Yang and Zheng Bo gave China the winning point when they defeated Pramote Teerawiwatana and Tesana Panvisvas 8-15, 15-13, 15-13 while Bao Chun Lai defeated Adisak Wirayapadungpong 15-5, 16-14 to complete the win.

Japan struggled to a 3-2 win over Singapore with Roland Susilo giving the islanders a perfect start with a 15-7, 15-4 win over Shoji Sato.

Malaysia may have beaten Hong Kong 4-1 but the defeat of its top doubles pair Choong Tan Fook and Lee Wan Wah at the hands of Liu Kok Wa and Albertus Susanto 15-8, 13-15, 13-15 raised some eyebrows on their form.

South Korea was just too strong for India and powered to an easy 5-0 win to book its place in the last four.

Earlier, Iran defeated Macau 5-0 while Chines Taipei registered the same margin of victory over Vietnam.

In the semi finals on Saturday South Korea plays Malaysia while Japan will take on China.