The Malaysian men's contingent checked into the team final with their backs against the wall, after recovering from a two-point deficit to beat Singapore 3-2 and book a gold medal showdown against Thailand.

Regardless of Wednesday's final result, Malaysia would at the least retain the silver medal won at the 2019 edition in Philippines.

The Malaysians had beaten Vietnam to set up today's showdown, but this young and reshuffled side were up against it against their Causeway neighbours who boasted world champion Loh Kean Yew in their ranks.

In fact, Loh had given this week's Thailand Open a skip to make the short trip from Bangkok to Vietnam in an attempt to win two gold medals in the team and individual events.

Loh faced Jacky Kok in the men’s singles, and even though the young Malaysian had his moments in several rallies throughout their 37-minute contest, he found the Singaporean too much to handle as he lost 12-21, 12-21.

Wan Junaidi Arif-Man Wei Chong were next up as the first men’s doubles, with Junaidi replacing the injured Tee Kai Wun.

They faced world number 50 pair Terry Hee-Loh Kean Hean, a seasoned pairing who looked better on paper with two titles to their name last year.

Junaidi-Man gave their best, especially in the first game, but ultimately the experience of the Singaporeans told as they romped to a 21-19, 21-13 in 35 minutes.

Lee Shun Yang pulled a point back for the Malaysians with a superb 21-12, 21-23, 21-16 victory over Jason Teh to reduce the deficit and keep the team in the hunt.

Chen Tang Jie-Muhammad Haikal then made it 2-2 with an explosive performance to pack away Danny Bawa Chrisnanta-Andy Kwek 21-17, 21-15 and set up the nerve-biting finale in the third men's singles.

It was up Shaqeem Eiman to turn hero with a victory against Joel Koh as both their team-mates and millions of fans watched back home.

The young Malaysian did not dissapoint with a powerful display to oust Koh 21-10, 21-17 for the win as he was mobbed by his jubilant team-mates after what seemed an unlikely victory after the first two matches.

Thailand made the final after they upset top seeds and defending champions Indonesia 3-2.