SHAH ALAM: The national men's team are getting closer to clinching their maiden Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) title, thanks to a 3-0 victory over South Korea in the semi-finals here today.
The win saw Malaysia avenge the defeat of the women's squad at the hands of the Koreans by a similar score earlier today. The Malaysian men's team finished runners-up in the 2020 edition for their best achievement since the tournament began in 2016.
However, it was a stuttering start for Malaysia as All England champion and home crowd favourite Lee Zii Jia was humbled by Jeon Hyeok Jin, ranked 2094th in the world, in the first game.
The world number seven Zii Jia was toothless as he failed to ward off Hyeok Jin's attacks and lost 13-21, but the Malaysian regained his composure to take the second game 21-13 before winning 21-15 in the rubber to give Malaysia the first point.
Tokyo Olympics 2020 men's doubles bronze medallists Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik continued the winning momentum with a strong display to come out tops against Kim Hwi Tae-Kim Jaehwan, winning 21-14 in the first game.
But the South Korean pair fought back to drag the game into the decider as they subdued the world number seven duo 22-20 in the second game.
The Malaysian pair then finished off the game in a dramatic way with a 21-19 win to make it 2-0 in favour of the national squad. Wooi Yik threw his jersey to fans in the Setia City Convention Centre to celebrate the hard-fought victory.
It was another thriller in the third match as young shuttler Ng Tze Yong came from a game down to beat Kim Joo Wan to deliver the winning point for Malaysia.
After losing 19-21 in the first game, the 21-year-old Tze Yong turned on his power and went into full attacking mode to win the second game 21-16.
He then had a relatively easy game in the decider, thumping Joo Wan 21-12 to put Malaysia into the final.
In the men's final at 4 pm tomorrow, Malaysia will meet arch-rivals and defending champions Indonesia, who edged Singapore 3-2 in the other semi-final.
The women's final at 10 am tomorrow will see South Korea taking on Indonesia.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sat Feb 19 2022
The national men's team is getting closer to clinching their maiden Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) title, thanks to a 3-0 victory over South Korea in the semi-finals here today. - BERNAMA
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.