The young Malaysian Uber Cup squad completed their campaign with a shocking 4-1 defeat by Canada in their last Group D match at the Ceres Arena here last night (early today in Malaysia).
National singles shuttler S. Kisona, who was rested for the match against China on Sunday, played in the first singles but it was clear to see that she was far from her best and suffered a huge setback against world number 183 Talia Ng.
The 23-year-old Kisona managed to go toe-to-toe with the Talia until 6-6 in the first game before a lapse in concentration saw the Canadian bag seven straight points en route to winning it 21-9.
In the second game, world number 53 Kisona again started well to lead 5-1. Then, her game fell apart as Talia regained control to romp home 21-14 to put Canada 1-0 up.
In the first doubles tie, world number 68 Teoh Mei Xing-Yap Ling raised Malaysian hopes with a dominant performance in the first game against world number 20 Rachel Honderich-Kristen Tsai to win 21-13.
However, the more experienced Rachel-Kristen stepped up a gear to win the next two games 21-10, 21-14 for Canada to take a 2-0 lead.
Canada then clinched the winning point through world number 185 Rachel Chan, who needed just 33 minutes to outplay world number 123 Eoon Qi Xuan 21-12, 21-13 in the second singles tie.
Although Canada had won the match, Malaysian scratch pair Go Pei Kee-M. Thinaah made sure the team did not suffer a whitewash when they delivered the country's first - and only - point by defeating Catherine Choi-Crystal Lai 21-12, 21-13.
"This is the first time we have been paired up. We didn't think too much about it and just went all out. Although we are happy that we won, we are also sad because the team lost," said Thinaah.
In the final tie of the night, 18-year-old K. Letshanaa ran out of steam after winning the first game against Wen Yu Zhang in the third singles to go down 21-17, 16-21, 21-12.
This Uber Cup campaign has proven to be a humbling experience for the young Malaysian team, who came to Aarhus with hopes of making the quarter-finals.
Instead, they head home after failing to get past the group stage with three straight defeats - 4-1 to Denmark on Saturday (Oct 9), 5-0 to China on Sunday (Oct 10) and now 4-1 to Canada - to finish at the bottom of the group.
With only the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarter-finals, China and Denmark have booked their berths in the last eight with two wins each. The group winner will be decided on Tuesday, with China the clear favourites against the hosts.
While the Malaysian women's Uber Cup campaign ended last night, the men's team are set to start their Thomas Cup journey on Tuesday (1 am Wednesday Malaysian time) when they take on Canada in their opening Group D tie.
Malaysia, who are expected to beat Canada and confirm their quarter-final berth, will wrap up their Group D fixture against Japan on Thursday (Oct 14). There are only three teams in Group D after England pulled out earlier.
Other results
------------------
Thomas Cup:
Indonesia bt Thailand 3-2
Taiwan bt Algeria 5-0
Uber Cup:
Indonesia bt France 4-1
Taiwan bt Tahiti 5-0
South Korea bt Egypt 5-0
Japan bt Germany 5-0
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Oct 11 2021
S. Kisona, who was rested for the match against China on Sunday, played in the first singles but it was clear to see that she was far from her best and suffered a huge setback against world number 183 Talia Ng. - Facebook\BAM
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.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.