Jakarta: After being vanquished by Indonesia in humiliating fashion at the Axiata Cup on Saturday, Malaysia were forced to adjust their rotation and get contributions from other players.
Daren Liew who replaced Chong Wei Feng in the men’s singles event, came out of the gate firing, blasted past Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk of Thailand 21-18, 21-9 in just 31 minutes.
However, the 2013 women’s singles world champion Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand drew level with Malaysia when she beat Tee Jing Yi 21-6, 21-19.
Hoon Thien How-Tan Wee Kiong who had never lost to Maneepong Jongjit-Nipitphon Puangpuapech before, struggled to match the form of their Thai opponents, went down 13-21, 15-21 in 27 minutes.
In mixed doubles, scratch Malaysian pair Tan Aik Quan-Ng Hui Lin put up some resistance against Sudket Prapakamol-T. Saralee, but the Malaysian duo made too many mistakes and as they ran out of juice in the second set losing in straight sets 19-21, 15-21 to the Thais.
“We were hoping for at least a draw in today’s tie, unfortunately things didn’t turn out as we planned,” said Daren.
“I hope we can pull off a victory against the Europe All Stars tomorrow. If we can win that tie, we would be able to make it to the semi-finals,” added Daren.
Four teams with most points scored will play in the semi-finals that will be held on Saturday, Dec 6, in Kuala Lumpur.
