A Kento Momota-inspired victory over Lee Zii Jia helped Japan beat Malaysia and win Group D as both teams marched into the Sudirman Cup quarter-finals
Having confirmed their berths prior to this encounter, Momota vs Lee was the marquee showdown of this tie, with the Japanese eyeing to avenge his defeat to the Malaysian at the All-England in March.
The Japanese looked to be back at his best after defeating Lee 21-18, 21-10 in 47 minutes, a victory that did not seem as straightforward as he trailed 0-6 in the first game.
Lee did not play badly, but he found it tough to answer the relentless high tempo the world number one produced, especially in the second game.
Dont worry LZJ! Esok buat come back okay dekat quater final?! #SokongMalaysia#PialaSudirman2021 pic.twitter.com/b9sf5FZkeD
— ASTRO ARENA (@ASTROARENA) September 30, 2021
Malaysia had earlier taken the lead through a powerful performance from Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, who beat Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi 22-20, 14-21, 21-16.
The 67-minute battle saw the Malaysians edge a tightly contested first game 22-20, before the Japanese leveled.
The Tokyo Olympics bronze medalists found an extra gear in the third game to seal victory for the advantage.
Jom kite dgr apa reaksi Aaron & Wooi Yik bersama @SykrhZlkfly selepas menumbangkan beregu Jepun!#SokongMalaysia#PialaSudirman2021 pic.twitter.com/Xfgvwxt8T0
— ASTRO ARENA (@ASTROARENA) September 30, 2021
World number five Akane Yamaguchi restored parity for the 2019 finalists after a clinical 21-14, 21-14 victory over the 53rd ranked S. Kisona in the women’s singles match.
Its okay Kisona, come back stronger!#SokongMalaysia#PialaSudirman2021 pic.twitter.com/Kv1mUauZeM
— ASTRO ARENA (@ASTROARENA) September 30, 2021
Japan’s victory was sealed in the women’s doubles through world number 10 Nami Matsuyama-Chiharu Shida, who beat M.Thinaah-Pearly Tan 21-16, 21-17.
Thinaah-Tan put on a bold display throughout the 50 minutes but could not find a way to unlock their opponents’ sturdy defence.
A draw for Friday's quarter-finals will be made later.
Pasangan beregu wanita negara, M.Thinaah & Pearly Tan tewas dalam perlawanan keempat bertemu beregu dari Jepun!#SokongMalaysia#PialaSudirman2021 pic.twitter.com/yEjBgEhXg4
— ASTRO ARENA (@ASTROARENA) September 30, 2021