Malaysia has been drawn in Group B of the Thomas Cup against Japan, England and Turkiye, and Stadium Astro looks at three must-win matches for the national team to finish top of their group.
Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik vs Ben Lane-Sean Vendy
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If England are to take a point from Malaysia, it will most likely come from the men’s doubles combination of Ben Lane-Sean Vendy.
This world number 15 pair beat Chia-Soh in their last meeting at last year’s Hong Kong Open in straight games.
The English pair proved that win was no fluke as they went on to beat two other Malaysian pairs Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin and also Haikal Nazri-Choong Hon Jian.
Chia-Soh would have learnt from their mistakes last year, and will be eager to contribute a point in this match.
Leong Jun Hao vs Kodai Naraoka
Malaysia’s highest ranked men's singles shuttler will head to this match with confidence based on previous meetings.
In five matches, Leong has triumphed four times, with the last victory coming at last year’s Sudirman Cup where he won in three close games.
Despite not having a good record this year, Leong seems to thrive in team competitions and he will once again be tasked to find a way past the top 10 ranked Naraoka again.
Justin Hoh vs Kenta Nishimoto
With Lee Zii Jia far down the ranking order, Hoh will assume the responsibility as the second men’s singles which means he could face Nishimoto.
What is interesting about this showdown is the fact both men have yet to face each other, and so the Malaysian will be an unknown threat against the more established Japanese.
If Hoh intends to spring a surprise, he will need to work for the points as Nishimoto is a known workhorse who will battle for every shuttle.
