SEA Games: Malaysia stun champions Thailand to reach men's team badminton final

Malaysia, who lost in last year’s men’s team final to Thailand, secured sweet revenge thanks to Jacky Kok delivering the winning point in the third men’s singles.

The national contingent gained a surprise lead through first men’s singles Leong Jun Hao, who did an excellent job to oust Sitthikom Thammassin 21-13, 18-21, 21-10 in a battle that lasted an hour.

The Thai world number 34 was one of the more experienced shuttlers in the tournament at 28, but Leong did well to keep the pressure on his opponent especially in the third game to take the lead.

The Malaysians doubled that advantage through Beh Chun Meng-Goh Boon Zhe, who came through a bruising encounter to beat Peeratchai Sukphun-Pakkapon Teeratsakul 21-16, 14-21, 21-15 after an hour’s battle.

Perseorangan negara,Leong Jun Hao meraih mata pertama buat kem negara apabila mengalahkan ranking ke-34 dunia iaitu wakil thailand,Sitthikom Thammasin21-13,18-21,21-10@ASTROARENA pic.twitter.com/ZqnJMPJLVx

— wan muiz (@muiz_aziz07) May 10, 2023

But the Thais hit back to level the scores in the next two matches.

Ong Ken Yon, who replaced Lee Shun Yang as the second men’s singles, was beaten 17-21, 15-21 after only 37 minutes, before Ruttanak Oupthong-Nanthakarn Yordphaisong overcame Chia Weijie-Liew Xun 21-16, 21-14 to make it 2-2.

But Kok, who wasn’t even included in the initial team selection and only came in as a replacement after Justin Hoh tore his Achilles tendon, turned out to be the hero in some style.

The 21-year-old shuttler needed less than 40 minutes to beat Saran Jamsri 21-12, 21-13 to move into the final where they will take on perennial rivals Indonesia.

The last time Malaysia won the men's team gold was back in 2005.