SEA Games: Malaysia come up short against Indonesia in badminton final

This also marked the 14th time the men’s team had to settle for a silver medal against Indonesia at the SEA Games.

It started well for the Malaysians when Leong Jun Hao gave them the lead after he outclassed Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo 21-16, 21-13 in just 31 minutes.

The 23-year-old, who had been struggling for form, cut a composed figure throughout the contest against his opponent ranked in the world top 20 and had one BWF World Tour runner-up finish this season.

Leong was clinical in his attacking play and did not give much away in his defence to give Malaysia the crucial 1-0 lead.

But Indonesia expectedly equalised through Shohibul Fikri-Bagas Maulana, who overcame SEA Games debutants Beh Chun Meng-Goh Boon Zhe 21-12, 22-20 in the first men’s doubles to make it 1-1.

Indonesia took the lead through Christian Adinata, who easily overcame Lee Shun Yang 21-17, 21-9 in the second men’s singles.

Lee, who was restored to the line-up after being rested against Thailand on Wednesday, fared well by leading in the opening exchanges.

Adinata however clawed his way back and found the composure to take the first game after both shuttlers were deadlocked at 17-17.

The second game went completely the Indonesian’s way for the 2-1 advantage.

Pramudya Kusumawardana-Yeremia Rambitan completed Indonesia’s victory when they beat Chia Weijie-Liew Xun 13-21, 21-16, 21-16.

With this triumph, the Indonesians cemented their stranglehold in this competition with 18 titles.

Malaysia meanwhile had to settle for silver again, having also lost to Thailand in the previous edition.

The last time the men’s team won gold was at the 2005 edition.