[UPDATED] Thomas Cup 2022: Malaysia wins first group stage round

KUALA LUMPUR – It has been an encouraging leap from the starting blocks for Malaysia’s campaign in the current Thomas Cup in the matches held at the Impact Arena in Bangkok today.

In the Group D stage match against England, Ng Tze Yong scored the winning point for Malaysia in a rubber set against Johnnie Torjussen.

The 22-year-old had a confident start as he triumphed in the first set 21-16, but his opponent unexpectedly caught up to him in the second set in a back-and-forth match to score 19-21.

Tze Yong, however, suffered a minor injury that required quick medical attention in the third set. It might have caused a temporary setback but he stayed in the game and scored the third set 21-11.

Earlier this morning, national badminton ace Lee Zii Jia gave Malaysia a great start in their opening Thomas Cup match against England after he beat Toby Penty 21-10, 21-15.

It was an easy first set for Zii Jia as he strolled to take it 21-10 but in the second set, Penty showed some resilience when he picked up five straight points to close the gap with the Malaysian.

However, Zii Jia kept calm and managed to snatch the set 21-15 and win a point for Malaysia.

“As for today’s match, I’m satisfied with what we have achieved.

“As much as I hope that we could win Thomas Cup this year, most importantly I need to make sure that I deliver my best for my country,” Zii Jia told the press after the game.

Although Malaysia had won the Thomas Cup five times, the most recent win was 30 years ago in 1992.

Subsequently, men’s doubles shuttlers Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik kept it going for the country as they delivered the second point after beating English pair Ben Lane-Sean Vendy.

Despite struggling in the first set while being edged out 19-21, the world number seven pair persevered against their former 2021 Sudirman Cup opponents and ended the game stronger with 21-15, 21-16.

“We weren’t fully satisfied with this game because we felt pressured when we started. But in the second and third set, we managed to regain our momentum and found our form. We are glad that it worked,” said Aaron.

Meanwhile, in the fourth match, the second men’s doubles Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani continued to grant Malaysia another point after bringing down Rory Easton-Zach Russ in a quick 28-minute straight set 21-13, 21-9.

Leong Jun Hao, subsequently, followed through to secure the fifth point as he thrashed Cholan Kayan 21-11, 21-19. – The Vibes, May 9, 2022