Lee Zii Jia become the toast of Malaysia in their opening Thomas Cup tie against England after helping the national team clinch the winning point for a 3-2 triumph on Saturday.

With the scores locked at 2-2 after four hours, Lee had the chance to give Malaysia a crucial victory and he delivered with a 21-13, 21-11 win over world number 233 Nadeem Dalvy in the third men's singles, courtesy of a confident attacking performance.

The team were made to huff and puff through what was expected to be a routine victory, but the other two men's singles dissapointed after losing.

Justin Hoh, deployed as the first singles, lost 19-21, 19-21 against Harry Huang.

World number two men's pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik then levelled for Malaysia after a straight game 21-19, 21-13 victory over Oliver Butler-Samuel Jones.

But independent shuttler Aidil Sholeh then shockingly lost 16-21, 15-21 to a lower ranked Cholan Kayan, and needed second doubles pair Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun to net a win.

The world number six pair duly delivered with a comfortable 21-14, 21-14 victory over Alex Green-Zach Russ, leaving Lee to come on and secure the headlines win.

This is Lee's 11th victory in the Thomas Cup, leaving him and the team in good spirits as they face Finland next.