PETALING JAYA: Lee Zii Jia emerged Malaysia’s hero after delivering the winning point in a tense 3-2 victory over England in their opening Group B tie of the Thomas Cup in Horsens on Saturday (April 25).
The tie at Forum Horsens saw Malaysia make a shaky start when Justin Hoh suffered a surprise 19-21, 19-21 defeat to world No. 62 Harry Huang.
Malaysia drew level through world No. 2 pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, who overcame Oliver Butler-Samuel Jones 21-19, 21-13 to make it 1-1.
The national side slipped behind again after Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin went down 16-21, 15-21 to world No. 153 Cholan Kayan.
Malaysia hit back once more when Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun beat Alex Green-Zach Russ 21-14, 21-14 to level the tie at 2-2.
That left the outcome in the hands of Lee Zii Jia, who was fielded as the third singles, and the former All-England champion delivered in style by sweeping aside Nadeem Dalvi 21-13, 21-11 to secure victory for Malaysia.
Malaysia will next take on Finland on Monday (April 27), while England face Japan.