SEA Games: Malaysia men's badminton team settle for silver medal after Thailand loss

Malaysia were forced to settle for silver after they were outclassed 3-0 by a quality Thailand side, who clinched the men's badminton team gold for the first time since 1975.

The result also meant Malaysia defended their silver from the 2019 edition in Manila, Philippines.

Malaysia were looking to end a long gold-medal drought in the men's team event, which saw them last emerge triumphant in the 2005 edition.

But they were up against a resurgant Thailand side, who ended defending champions Indonesia's dominance by beating them in the semi-finals.

The first point expectedly went in Thailand's favour through Kunvalut Vitidsarn, who was a class above Jacky Kok to win 21-10, 21-15.

Kok tried his best, just like he did against world champion Loh Kean Yew in the semis, but found the three-time world junior champion just too hot to handle as he succumbed after 45 minutes.

Hopes were strong on Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, who were back together for this final, to draw Malaysia level with a victory against Chaloempon Charoenkitamorn-Nanthakarn Yordphaisong but they lost in straight games.

In both games, it stood at 20-20 but the Malaysians were unable to put the finishing touches, leaving their opponents to do so with a 22-20, 22-20 win for the 2-0 lead.

Beregu lelaki negara, Man Wei Chong terpaksa dikejarkan ke hospital ekoran mengalami kecederaan dibahagian lutut kiri selepas aksi menentang Thailand @ASTROARENA pic.twitter.com/WQEr5pKhgq

— Syakirah Zulkifly (@SykrhZlkfly) May 18, 2022

Thailand were on the brink of gold and just needed another point from Khosit Phetpradab against Lee Shun Yang to achieve it.

Lee got off to a strong start to take the first game 21-16, but Phetpradab recovered strongly to level 21-13 in the second.

The deciding game favoured the Thai by the slimmest of margins at 21-19, when Lee watched a drive touch the base line as Phetpradab was mobbed by his team-mates to celebrate their first team gold medal in almost three decades.

The individual event will take place next.