SELBATC: Classy Malaysia tame Japan, to meet China in final

Standing in their title defence are China, who had to work hard before overcoming South Korea 3-2 in the other semi-finals.

But Malaysia will go into this final on Sunday at the Setia City Convention Centre as favourites with a solid home backing behind them.

Lee put the host ahead with an impressive 21-18, 21-15 victory over Kenta Nishimoto.

Having not played due to a sinusitis issue on Friday, Lee was back for this semis and looked in supreme condition.

The world number 10 was almost flawless in his overall match, using his cross-court smashes to devastating effect for the victory.

The Kedahan later admitted even he was surprised with how he performed.

“I can take many positives from this match, it has boosted my confidence. I was even surprised with how well I played.

“The crowd boosted my energy by cheering me and I just wanted to enjoy it as much as possible,” said Lee, who celebrated some of his points much to the delight of the fans.

Men’s doubles pair Chia-Soh made it 2-0 on aggregate for Malaysia after coming from a game down to beat Akira Koga-Taichi Sato 15-21, 21-17, 21-10.

It was a sweet victory especially for Soh, who celebrated his 26th birthday on Saturday and he was serenaded with a birthday song by the fans after the win.

The world number five pair also said they fed off the crowd’s energy to ensure the successful comeback.

“The crowd’s energy and support was crucial for us to focus and get back into the match after losing the first game. We managed to put them under pressure and they started making a lot of unforced errors after that,” the pair said.

Koki Watanabe reduced the deficit for Japan with a hard fought 19-21, 21-12, 21-19 victory over Leong Jun Hao, but Malaysia sealed their final berth in the fourth match through second doubles pair Goh-Izzuddin.

The world number 22 pair needed 54-minutes to overcome Kenya Mitsuhashi-Hiroki Okamura 21-15, 21-19 to ensure a second consecutive final.