Uber Cup 2016: Malaysia edges Spain 3-2 to end campaign on winning note

Malaysia salvaged some pride in the Uber Cup competition by beating Spain 3-2 to end their Group A campaign in third place at the Kunshan Sports Centre today.

The women's squad who lost to China and Denmark in their first two matches, decided to play Goh Jin Wei in the first singles but despite putting a spirited display against world number one Carolina Marin, including winning a set, the youngster lost 18-21, 22-20, 16-21.

"I was a little lucky in the second set when Carolina was leading 20-16. I remained calm while the Spaniard was nervous and made simple mistakes.

"However, Marin's vast experience and speed came into play. Obviously, she is fast," said the 16-year-old shuttler.

Ho Yen Mei who played in the second singles also lost 13-21, 9-21 to Beatriz Corrales but Soniia Cheah put Malaysia's hopes back on track when she disposed Clara Azurmendi 21-14, 21-18 to reduce the deficit.

Doubles players Chow Mei Kuan/Lee Meng Yean, making their first appearance today, delivered the second point to level the tie 2-2 after defeating Beatriz Corrales/Lorena Usle 21-12, 21-7.

The second point earned by Mei Kuan-Meng Yean seemed to have inspired scratch pair Amelia Alicia Anscelly/Woon Khe Wei who were involved in the deciding match and both did not disappoint the Malaysian camp as they beat Clara Azurmendi/Laia Oset 21-12, 21-13 to clinch the winning point.

Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) technical director Morten Frost Hansen said what the players had displayed throughout the campaign could enable the team to develop further in the next six to eight years.

"We played very well today. It was good to see Soniia winning the first point and the doubles pairs clinch the victory which is good for the team. I am really happy with that, Jin Wei played very well, Yen Mei is a bit tired and down from the fact that she could not clinch the match against Denmark," he said.

Though the Uber Cup squad failed to achieve their target of reaching at least the quarterfinals, Frost said he was satisfied with what the players had shown throughout the campaign.

Frost said what was important now was to develop the young players, especially Jin Wei who admitted she had gained lots of experience when facing top ranked players.