Uber Cup: Malaysia push Denmark all the way in close defeat

Malaysia fought tooth and nail against Denmark in their Uber Cup Group C opener on Sunday, but ultimately it was experience who prevailed against youth in the deciding match as the Danes ran out 3-2 winners.

With the scores tied at 2-2, Line Kjaersfeldt easily over young Myisha Khairul 21-12, 21 for the slim aggregate victory at the Impact Arena in Bangkok.

S. Kisona was first up against Mia Blichfeldt in a familiar setting as the only time both shuttlers met was at the rescheduled Uber Cup last year.

Blichfeldt aced that meet in straight games, and it was the same story this time as Kisona fell 14-21, 15-21 in a flat performance that barely troubled the Dane who coasted to the 35-minute success.

Up next were Pearly Tan-M.Thinaah, who were expected to draw level with a victory against Maiken Fruergaard-Sara Thygesen.

"Banyak lagi yang kena improve" Reaksi Thinaah & Pearly Tan selepas menewaskan pasangan beregu dari Denmark pic.twitter.com/KYaRCmZ4Mi

— ASTRO ARENA (@ASTROARENA) May 8, 2022

Tan-Thinaah delivered in true style with a battling performance to edge their opponents 21-19, 21-19 in a closely fought 42-minute victory to make it 1-1.

Goh Jin Wei then gave Malaysia the lead with a 21-12, 11-21, 21-5 victory over Line Christophersen.

The shuttler, who only recently returned to international action, looked to be running out of steam in the second game, but she bounced back ferociously in the decider to dismantle her opponent and give the team a 2-1 lead.

Apa situasi kem #PialaUber negara di Bangkok? Berdepan Denmark must be TUGASAN BERAT buat ladies kita di sana!! Goh Jin Wei yang sumbang mata buat negara turut share mengenai situasi angin di venue kejohanan! Nak tahu lebih, stay with #NadiArena pic.twitter.com/jDYljH23Dx

— ASTRO ARENA (@ASTROARENA) May 8, 2022

But the combination of Alexandra Boje-Amalie Magelund drew Denmark level with a comprehensive 21-14, 21-10 win over Anna Ching-Teoh Mei Xing.

With Boje dictating the back court with constant attacks, the Malaysians were only left defending for much of the contest which they eventually succumbed to in 32 minutes.

Myisha was chosen as the third women’s singles due to her recent title win at the Dutch International last month, but the 19-year-old looked nervous to be thrust into such a crucial stage, in which Kjaersfeldt took full advantage of.

The lanky Dane needed 33 minutes to beat the teenager 21-12, 21-9 for the opening win.

It was nonetheless a commendable performance from the Malaysians, who did well to push their more fancied opponents to the wire.

Malaysia will need to win their next match against Thailand on Monday to stand a chance of making it to the knockout stage.