Suzhou: Malaysia’s badminton team opened the 2023 Sudirman Cup campaign with a victory after defeating Australia 5-0 in Group C action on Sunday.
World number eight mixed doubles, Goh Soon Huat/Shevon Jemie Lai contributed Malaysia’s first point through a 21-17, 21-14 win over Kenneth Choo/Gronya Somerville.
Lee Zii Jia then needed only 25 minutes to beat Ricky Tan 21-3, 21-13, and give Malaysia a 2-0 lead.
Highlights of Lee Zii Jia vs. Ricky Tan at 2023 Sudirman Cup:
Karupathevan Letshanaa secured the victory for Malaysia at 3-0 after she defeated Tiffany Ho 21-19, 21-12 in the women’s singles match.
Malaysia continued to collect points when World number three men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik won over Rayne Wang/Jack Yu 21-7, 21-14.
The World No. 11 women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan/M Thinaah completed the sweep when they overcame Ea Kaitlyn/Gronya Sommerville 21-12, 21-13.
Malaysia will play India on Monday. India lost to Chinese Taipei 1-4 in the first round of action of the so-called ‘group of death’.
Meanwhile, the defending champions and also the hosts, China, thrashed Egypt 5-0 in the first round of the Group A action and will meet Singapore on Tuesday.
On the other hand, Viktor Axelsen put on a strong performance to beat Loh Kean Yew of Singapore 21-23, 21-13, 21-16 to lead Denmark to a 4-1 win over Singapore. Denmark will next face Egypt on Tuesday.
Highlights of Viktor Axelsen vs. Loh Kean Yew at 2023 Sudirman Cup: