AARHUS (Denmark): Malaysia have been given the chance to exact revenge on Indonesia after both teams were drawn to meet in the quarter-finals of the Thomas Cup here at 1.30 pm tomorrow (7.30 pm Malaysian time).
Malaysia, who ended up second in Group D after losing 4-1 to Japan at the Ceres Arena today, were beaten 3-1 by Indonesia at the same stage of the tournament in the 2018 edition in Bangkok, Thailand.
Indonesia, who topped Group A, have won the Thomas Cup a record 13 times while Malaysia have lifted the coveted trophy five times, most recently in 1992.
The other quarter-final match-ups tomorrow will see South Korea taking on Japan, Thailand facing defending champions China and Denmark meeting India.
If the young Malaysian side get past Indonesia, they will face either Denmark or India in the last four.
Commenting on the draw, Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) coaching director Wong Choong Haan hoped that his men would be able to bounce back tomorrow after today's loss to mighty Japan.
"I feel that we must learn to accept our loss to Japan today because they are, after all, the top seeds. I have faith in my players that they can bounce back from today's setback when they face Indonesia tomorrow.
"All the teams are equally strong, so it doesn't matter who we meet. So, we have to come up with a strategy and show our capabilities for the challenging task that awaits us... that's important.
"Our panel of coaches will discuss and try to come up with the right strategy for tomorrow," he said.
Meanwhile, in today's final group match against Japan, the story of the day was how 22-year-old Leong Jun Hao, who is ranked 120 in the world, pulled off a stunning 21-19, 21-18 win over world number 16 Kenta Nishimoto in the third singles.
The match today began with world number one Kento Momota defeating Lee Zii Jia 15-21, 21-12, 23-21 after a titanic 80-minute battle in the first singles to give Japan a 1-0 lead.
The win extended Momota's winning record against Zii Jia to eight in 10 meetings, with his two losses to the Malaysian coming in this year's All England quarter-finals and the recent Sudirman Cup semi-finals.
Malaysia then suffered another blow when Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist and world number eight Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik went down 13-21, 13-21 to Japan's world number 16 Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi in 37 minutes.
Japan then sealed the winning point in second singles when world number 13 Kanta Tsuneyama held off a spirited first-game display by Cheam June Wei, ranked 70th in the world, to triumph 22-20, 21-13.
Malaysia suffered more misery in the second doubles when scratch pair Akira Koga-Yuta Watanabe gunned down world number 26 Goh Sze Fei- Nur Izzuddin Mohd Rumsani 21-10, 21-16 to give Japan a 4-0 lead.
Then came Jun Hao's heroics against Kenta to put a smile on Malaysian faces.
Malaysia and Japan went into today's match knowing they had already confirmed their places in the quarter-finals. Malaysia beat Canada 5-0 while Japan defeated them 4-1. England, who were supposed to be in the group had withdrawn earlier.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Oct 14 2021
Malaysia have been given the chance to exact revenge on Indonesia after both teams were drawn to meet in the quarter-finals of the Thomas Cup here at 1.30 pm tomorrow (7.30 pm Malaysian time). - bwfmedia
Former special forces commander Prabowo to take up Indonesian presidency
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto will take over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children
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.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
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.