Malaysia lose close match to Thomas Cup holders

Malaysia crashed to a 2-3 defeat at the hands of Thomas Cup holders Denmark in their final Group D match on Wednesday.

The defeat ensured they finished behind the defending champions, meaning they could face group winners China, Indonesia or Japan in the quarter-finals.

The other three quarter-finalists are France, South Korea and Chinese Taipei.

Lee Chong Wei bagged the first point for Malaysia by beating world no.1 Viktor Axelsen 21-9, 21-19, before Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong lost 24-22, 15-21, 15-21 to Mads Conrad-Petersen and Mads Pieler Kolding.

Lee Zii Jia secured an impressive 21-18, 21-18 win over Hans-Kirstian Vittinghus to edge his team ahead, but Denmark drew level again after the scratch pair of Aaron Chia and Teo Ee Yi fell to a 21-19, 10-21, 18-21 defeat to Mathias Christiansen and Mathias Boe.

In the deciding final match, Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin, who turned 27 on Thursday, had a forgettable birthday as he lost to Jan Ø. Jørgensen 21-16, 17-21, 14-21.