Malaysia virtually through to Sudirman Cup q-finals after edging India.
Men’s singles shuttler subdues Sameer to save Malaysia
PETALING JAYA: National men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia stepped up to the plate to help Malaysia stage a come-from-behind victory over India in the Sudirman Cup badminton championship in Nanning, China.
The 21-year-old delivered arguably the most important point as Malaysia prevailed 3-2 over India in a do-or-die match at the Guangxi Sports Centre Gymnasium yesterday.
India could have wrapped up the tie with a 3-0 scoreline if Zii Jia failed to pull off an upset 21-13, 21-15 win over world No. 13 Sameer Verma 21-13, 21-15 in the second tie of the day.
India sprung a surprise by throwing in Sameer instead of world No. 9 K. Srikanth for the men’s singles match.
But Sameer, last year’s World Tour Finals semi-finalist, was certainly no less formidable an opponent.
The pressure was certainly on Zii Jia after teammates Goh Soon HuatShevon Lai Jemie’s surprise 21-16, 17-21, 22-24 defeat to Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Ashwini in the opening mixed doubles tie.
“Honestly, before the match I felt pressure because we expected our mixed doubles to win,” said Zii Jia.
“But this is a team event and I had to take responsibility and win and I’m proud I did it.”
Goh Jin Wei was no match for the mighty Rio Olympics silver medallist P.V. Sindhu, losing 12-21, 8-21 for India to take a 2-1 lead.
Fortunately, scratched pair Teo Ee Yi-Aaron Chia and Chow Mei KuanLee Meng Yean did not let the team down in both the men and women’s doubles matches.
Ee Yi-Aaron duly put Malaysia back on level terms with a 22-20, 21-19 win over Manu Attri-B. Sumeeth Reddy before Mei KuanMeng Yean sealed victory by convincingly beating Ashwini-N. Sikki Reddy 21-11, 21-19.
Said Meng Yean: “We did not let the nerves get the better of us. Before we entered the court, all we were thinking about was to beat our opponents. Coach (Rosman Razak) told us not to worry so much and to just go out and enjoy the game. If we play without undue pressure it usually makes us play better.”
Malaysia are virtually through to the quarter-finals as the group 1D runners-up. On paper, it is almost impossible for India to upset favourites China on their own turf.
Malaysia were thumped 5-0 by 10-time winners China in their opening tie on Sunday.
National team coaching director Wong Choong Hann heaped praises on the team’s fighting display.
“I want the players to realise that this victory is a testimony of what they can achieve when they focus on the fundamentals. The results will come when you work hard for it,” said Choong Hann.
“It’s not a major victory, but I want them to have firmer belief in themselves. They must be able to play bigger roles.
“I’m very happy with Zii Jia’s contribution today. He was so composed, even with all that pressure after our mixed doubles had lost the first tie.
“Winning is one thing but to win with all that pressure is commendable.”