Hong Kong: Malaysia begun the 2019 Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships also known as Tong Yun Kai Cup with a dominating 5-0 victory over Macau on day two of the tournament in Hong Kong.
Despite sending its second tier players to the tournament, Malaysia proved too strong for Macau in the Group D tie on Wednesday.
Malaysia opened the tie with men’s doubles pair, Low Hang Yee/Ng Eng Cheong who defeated Iek U Leong/Leong Lok Chong 21-10, 21-9 while Ho Yen Mei also eased past Pui Chi Wa 21-13, 21-11 in the women’s singles match to give their team a 2-0 lead.
World No. 75 Soong Joo Ven who are also the team captain for Malaysia, sealed the country’s victory after outlasting Ao Fei Long 21-3, 21-8.
Extra gloss was added as Anna Cheong/Teoh Mei Xing overcame Gong Xue Xin/Ng Weng Chi of Macau 21-15, 21-12 in women’s doubles while Hoo Pang Ron/Cheah Yee See saw off Kuan Chi Leng/Pui Pang Fong 21- 12, 21-7 in mixed doubles to give Malaysia a thumping 5-0 win.
However, Malaysia will face the real test on Thursday as they will take on China in the final group tie to determine the group champions.
The coaching director of Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), Wong Choong Hann said that playing against China would be the best platform to examine the ability of his young players in front of the badminton powerhouse.
“Tomorrow will be the best opportunity to shed light on the skills gap between our players and China’s young squad and I hope the players can give their best,” said Wong.
Even if Malaysia lose to China on Thursday, they are still to advance to the quarter-finals as the runners-up of Group D.
In other ties today, Singapore beat India 3-2 in Group B.
Group C saw a 5-0 win for Thailand over Sri Lanka.
