![[UPDATED] Thomas Cup: Malaysia moves into quarterfinals](https://media.thevibes.com/images/uploads/covers/_large/16032022_Daren_Liew_Bernama_pic.jpg)
KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia sailed through the quarterfinals of the Thomas Cup after beating the USA in their second group match at the Impact Arena in Bangkok today.
It was Malaysia’s second win in the group as they thrashed England 5-0 yesterday.
In the first singles match, veteran shuttler Liew Daren gave Malaysia its first win against the USA after defeating Enrico Asuncion 21-13, 21-16 in the second Group D match of the Thomas Cup.
With Lee Zii Jia rested, Liew took the starting spot of the series and made quick work of the 23-year-old Asuncion, winning the match in 37 minutes at the Impact Arena in Bangkok.
Doubles duo Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik is also rested and is replaced with Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, while Goh Sze Fei will be paired up with Chia Wei Jie instead of his usual partner Nur Izzuddin Mohd Rumsani.
However, Malaysia were quick to make it 2-0 against the US when second singles Ng Tze Yong dismantled Don Henley Averia 21-11, 21-9.
It was an easy tie for Ng as Averia was no match for the Malaysian’s fast play and powerful smashes. Ng wrapped it up in 30 minutes.
As expected, Aidil Sholeh made it 3-0 to help Malaysia earn a spot in the quarterfinals.
Aidil beat William Hu 21-16, 21-17 in the third singles match of the tie.
Speaking to the media after his win, Aidil said he needed some time to get into his rhythm in the first set.
“(In the) First set (I) had to get into the rhythm as there was a breeze on my side of the court.
“Overall, I feel very happy to give Malaysia the winning point and get us through to the quarter-finals,” he said.
The men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Chia Wei Jie did not disappoint as they continued the mauling of the Americans when they defeated Adrian King-Henry Tang 21-12, 21-8.
The pair won their match in 22 minutes to make 4-0 in the tie.
Sweeping the series, Malaysia’s second doubles duo Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi made quick work of Asuncion-Hu in 30 minutes, winning the match 21-16, 21-8. – The Vibes, May 10, 2022
