Shah Alam: Malaysia had to concede defeat to China with a 0-3 loss in the final of the Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) on Sunday. The result witnessed Malaysia’s men’s squad falling short in their mission to defend the championship they won two years ago.
In the action at Setia City Convention Center (SCCC), the Malaysian squad already faced challenges before the final even started as the main singles player, Lee Zii Jia, could not compete due to sinus issues and difficulty breathing.
This situation led to the first singles duty falling on Leong Jun Hao, who lost to Weng Hong Yang 19-21, 17-21.
Highlights of Weng Hong Yang vs. Leong Jun Hao in the 2024 Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) Men’s Team final:
Then, Malaysia’s 2022 men’s doubles world champions, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, who were expected to level the score, were unexpectedly defeated in a three-set battle against Xie Hao Nan-Zeng Wei Han 16-21, 21-16, 21-23.
“I feel they (Hao Nan-Wei Han) played very well today. Perhaps they had less pressure because the team was already ahead (1-0). We tried our best, but luck was not on our side when we lost at crucial moments,” said Chia.
Young singles player Eogene Ewe, representing Malaysia, showed that he still has a long way to go in contributing points in significant matches as he lost to Lei Lan Xi 10-21, 14-21.
The victory in this final allows China to secure their first BATC title, with their previous best achievement being the runners-up in the 2018 edition.
For Malaysia, this championship undoubtedly provides a valuable lesson in facing unexpected challenges, especially involving injuries and health issues of players.
In addition to Lee Zii Jia’s health problems, the national squad also had to do without another singles player, Ng Tze Yong, whose back injury resurfaced. Ng Tze Yong only played in the full match against Brunei in the group stage before withdrawing in the first set against Singapore in the quarterfinals. This situation also saw Lee Zii Jia experiencing sinus issues and being unable to play.
For Soh Wooi Yik, who is also the captain of the national squad, the experience of facing unexpected challenges in this championship provides a valuable lesson for them.
“I always think positively; with this experience, it will make us stronger. With the Olympics coming up soon, there will undoubtedly be many more challenges that we need to face. The challenges here are something good for us to learn from,” said Soh.