Malaysia roars to Thomas Cup semis after Japan win

Malaysia achieved the unexpected by stunning Japan to advance to the semi-finals of the Thomas Cup.

In today’s match, Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani emerged victorious, displaying exceptional performance to secure the win against Akira Koga and Taichi Saito with a score of 18-21, 21-15, and 21-12.

This achievement marks the end of an eight-year wait as Malaysia last reached the semi-finals in 2016.

Malaysia will face China after the latter beat India in the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, Malaysian singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia started strong against Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto, winning the first match easily.

Japan reportedly made a surprise decision to field Nishimoto instead of their top player Kodai Naraoka but Lee took advantage and won in 33 minutes.

Malaysia’s doubles pair, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, also played well but lost in a close match against Japan.

Despite a strong comeback, they couldn’t win the deciding game, losing 21-18, 14-21, 19-21.

Malaysia’s Leong Jun Hao won the second singles match against Koki Watanabe.

Title by Agong worth the wait, says 1967 Thomas Cup winner

YOURSAY | Sports rot started years ago with 'tidak apa' attitude

All England title remains elusive for Chia-Soh

All England: Chia-Soh remain in semis, Zii Jia crashes out