Malaysia were pitted against South Korea in an intriguing Asian Games men’s team round of 16 match-up, which begins on Thursday at the Binjiang Gymnasium in Hangzhou, China.

It will be an acid test for the national contingent against a team looking for redemption after not winning a badminton medal at the 2018 edition.

It was the first time South Korea had returned home empty-handed from the sport in 40 years.

Similarly, Malaysia also came out with nothing the last time around and most of the shuttlers in action will need to produce their own mission statement.

Based on ranking, Lee Zii Jia should stack up as the country’s first men’s singles, most likely against world number 47 Jeon Hyeok-jin.

Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik should contend against Kang Min-hyuk-Seo Seung-jae in the first singles, before Ng Tze Yong takes to court.

Ng's recent resurgence should deliver the team a huge point, but Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi might face a tough assignment against Choi Sol-gyu-Kim Won-ho in the second doubles.

Malaysia are expected to win this tie based on their prowess in the singles department, so if it comes down to 2-2 then it would be up to Cheam June Wei or Leong Jun Hao to win the third point and emerge hero.

The Asian Games format is similar to the Thomas Cup with three singles and two doubles.

Teams who win by three clear points will proceed to the next round.

UPDATE: ?? drawn to play ?? at the #AsianGames2022 Team Events.#DemiMalaysia#BadmintonMalaysia pic.twitter.com/BYL64rlSMu

— BAM (@BA_Malaysia) September 27, 2023