SUHANDINATA CUP - China-Malaysia final

While Malaysia’s confidence stems from their 3-1 win over China in the team final of the Asian Junior Championships last June, China believe their solid preparations are more than adequate to exact revenge on the hosts.

However, both teams are not without their concerns – China believe experience, or rather the lack of it, is their Achilles Heel while Malaysia will depend largely on the good form of Iskandar Zulkarnain in the boy’s singles to get their challenge off to a good start.

This is Malaysia's first ever final in the team event while China have won the team title five of the six times it has been organised.

On Saturday, China beat Thailand 3-0 while Malaysia was given a harder time by Chinese Taipei before prevailing to a 3-1 win.

China’s winning points came via their mixed doubles pair of Lu Kai-Bao Yixin who beat Jongjit Maneepong-Taerattanachai Sapsiree 21-13, 22-20.

Tian Houwei, despite dropping a game, gave China their second point when he beat Poodchalat Pisit 13-21, 21-6, 21-11 while Lu Kai-Liu Peixuan gave China the winning point in the boy’s doubles with a straight games, 21-13, 21-15, win over Phuangphuapet Nipitphon-D. Caballes Tin.

“Our biggest concern is the lack of experience as most of the players find it difficult to adapt when faced with strong players,” said China coach Liu Xinmin.

“But we have prepared well for the tournament and will be ready for tomorrow’s final.”

The Malaysia-Chinese Taipei tie also started with the mixed doubles and the pair of Chooi Kah Ming-Ng Hui Ern scored a morale boosting 21-19, 27-25 win over Hsun Yang Chi-Ting Wu Yun to give the hosts a flying start.

However, Chinese Taipei drew level when Hsu Jen Hao upset Iskandar Zulkarnain 21-13, 21-14. But order was quickly restored when the boy’s doubles pair of Kah Ming-Ow Yao Han handed Chang Kai Liang-Lin Yu Te a 21-12, 21-16 defeat to put Malaysia back in front.

The winning point came when Tee Jing Yi, once again, put on a spirited display to down Cheng Chi Ya 21-17, 22-20 to send Malaysia into their first ever final.

“It all depends on the boy’s singles,’ said Malaysian coach Sun Cheng Hua.

With the loss, Thailand will take on Chinese Taipei for the 3^rd-4th position tomorrow morning.

In the meantime, Indonesia overcame Hong Kong 3-0 as Japan beat India 3-1 this afternoon to set up a fight for the 5th-6^th position tomorrow morning while Hong Kong and India battle for the 7^th-8^th classification tie. Denmark and Philippines will play to decide the 9^th-10^th ranking.

Posted by Lucas Liau on 12:36 PM. Filed under News . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0