Malaysia ended a memorable Sudirman Cup campaign after they were outclassed 3-1 by Japan in a four-hour long semi-final contest on Saturday.

Despite a second consecutive loss to their opponents in the span of three days, the national contingent can walk away from Vantaa, Finland, with their heads held high.

A hard fought 3-2 victory over Indonesia on Friday earned them this semis berth, which was their best achievement in this team event since 2009.

Japan took the lead in the men’s doubles after Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi, who were rested against Chinese Taipei in the quarter-finals, avenged their group defeat to Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik with a 21-15, 21-14 win.

Chia-Soh started off well, but the Japanese found their groove and provided plenty of firepower in their attacks to force the Malaysians into many mistakes in the course of the 42-minute encounter.

Japan had no problems doubling their advantage in the women’s singles as Akane Yamaguchi completely outclassed S. Kisona 21-7, 21-5 in 26-minutes.

The diminutive world number five had been in imperious form throughout this tournament, and afterwards Kisona admitted her opponent’s superiority, saying: “She played really well. It was difficult for me to even take a point off her.”

The second men’s singles showdown between Lee Zii Jia and Kento Momota certainly did not disappoint, as the Malaysian turned the tables on the world number one courtesy of a 22-20, 21-19 victory in the hour-long contest.

Momota started well and held an 8-4 lead in the opening stages, but Lee soon grew into the game with his variety of offensive threats, and started scoring many winners with sensational forehand and cross-court smashes.

The Japanese had held match point at 20-19, but Lee held his nerve to force the deuce and eventually take the first game 22-20.

The second match was an equally nail-biting affair, with both shuttlers trading points until 19-19, before Lee produced two moments of magic to seal victory 21-19.

His win gave the opportunity for women’s doubles Pearly Tan-M.Thinaah to test their mettle against Mayu Matsumoto-Misaki Matsutomo, who were paired for the first time together.

The Malaysians, who had pushed Indonesia’s Olympic champions Greysia Polli-Apriyani Rahayu to the wire in last night’s quarter-finals, were again a picture of tenacity as they looked to take the game to their more experienced pairs.

They came close in both games, but ultimately fell short 19-21, 17-21 to confirm victory for the Japanese, who go on to face China in the final on Sunday.