KUALA LUMPUR: Youngster Cheam June Wei led Malaysia to a good start in the opening day of the Asian Junior Championships in Taiwan.
Malaysia, as expected, defeated unheralded Sri Lanka 5-0 in their Group D tie on Sunday but their real challenge – against China – awaits them on Monday.
June Wei, who is determined to come good in his second Asian junior meet, defeated Mahen Anjana Samaranayake 21-15, 21-11 to contribute one point.
The others came from girl’ singles shuttler Ho Yen Mei and the doubles pairs – Sim Guo Zheng-Eng Pui Yee (mixed doubles), Tan Jinn Hwa-Goh Sze Mei (boys’ doubles) and Goh Yea Ching-Peck Yen Wei (girls’ doubles).
China whitewashed Sri Lanka 5-0 in an earlier group tie.
Malaysia have to beat China to emerge as group champions. The top two teams in each group will advance to the elimination round on Tuesday.