![[UPDATED] Two wins bring M’sia one step closer to BATC finals](https://media.thevibes.com/images/uploads/covers/_large/Badminton_BATC2022_Aaron_Chia_Soh_Wooi_Yik_Syeda_Imran_.JPG)
SHAH ALAM – Malaysia inch closer to the Badminton Asia Team Championships finals after securing a second win over South Korea.
National men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik defeated South Korea’s Kim Hwi Tae-Kim Jaehwan in an exciting 14-21, 22-20, 19-21 match which lasted almost an hour here at the Setia City Convention Centre.
“When they caught up in the second set, the feeling was like yesterday. We felt disappointed.
“We tried our best to get our confidence and momentum back,” said Aaron during the post-match interview.
The duo were beaten by Japanese pair Ayato Endo-Takei Yuta 23-21, 21-16 yesterday during the final match of the group stage.
He added that the win today wasn’t satisfying enough as the match was close.
“Maybe luck was on our side, this isn’t like our usual game where we play at 100%.
“When we lost yesterday, we didn’t overthink it, but accept it and improve ourselves,” he said.
Wooi Yik, who removed his jersey the second they won the game, dedicated the win today to the fans.
“I had to release the stress as I know we let Malaysia down yesterday. They were so supportive towards us.
“So the celebration was for them,” said Wooi Yik.
Earlier today, the nation’s top shuttler Lee Zii Jia won in the nail-biting third set against 26-year-old Jeon Hyeok Jin with a score of 21-13, 13-21, 15-21.
Both victories come after the devastating loss the women’s team were subjected to by South Korea earlier today.
Speaking to the media post-match, Zii Jia says he had to focus to come back in the last two sets after making mistakes that cost him in the first one.
“I have to reduce my unforced errors, that’s my main focus.
“I didn’t look down on my opponent. He is a good, experienced player, so I didn’t overthink it. I just enjoyed my time on the court and improve what I can from this match.”
Zii Jia added that he believes the men’s team will be able to cruise through to the finals and clinch the championship.
“It is of course important to make it to the finals, and I think that we can it win it, no problem.”
Meanwhile, Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew defeated Indonesia’s Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo 21-17,21-19 to give the Singapore men’s team their first win of the semi-finals.
Ng Tze Yong will feature next against South Korea’s Kim Joo Wan in a quest to secure Malaysia’s vital third point. – The Vibes, February 19, 2022
