Malaysia advanced to the semi-finals of the Thomas Cup 2024 after defeating Japan 3-1 in a match that took place at the Hi-Tech Sports Center Gymnasium, Chengdu, China.
In the quarter-finals, the pair of Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani who were listed in the fourth match contributed the deciding point for Malaysia after defeating Akira Koga-Taichi Saito 21-18, 15-21, 12-21.
The national camp gained the first point through Lee Zii Jia when he easily defeated Kenta Nishimoto 13-21, 3-21
However, the Malaysian Thomas Cup squad took a moment when Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik was tamed by Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi 18-21, 21-14, 21-19.
The proud action of Leong Jun Hao, who is ranked 37th, allowed Malaysia to be ahead 2-1 after defeating Koki Watanabe (ranked 21st) 13-21, 10-21.
Malaysia continued to deny Japan's progress when Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin rose to score a valuable victory for the country.
Awaiting in the semi-finals are hosts China who eliminated defending champions India 3-1.
Tahniah team Malaysia mara ke semifinals Piala Thomas!!! pic.twitter.com/OQjhKH0PLn
— Hannah Yeoh (@hannahyeoh) May 2, 2024