Shah Alam: Despite sending mostly its backup players, Malaysia thrashed Kazakhstan 5-0 Thursday to qualify for the semi-finals of the 2022 Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC), thus, also making the 2022 Thomas Cup Finals on merit.
Malaysia’s second Group B action against Kazakhstan on Thursday saw the hosts rest Lee Zii Jia, Ng Tze Yong, Leong Jun Hao, and Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik. Aidil Sholeh who took on the first men’s singles responsibility didn’t disappoint by beating Artur Niyazov 21-11, 21-12.
Thursday’s victory was a good experience for the 22-year-old Aidil who was playing in a team tournament for the first time.
“I felt uncomfortable at the beginning because I am playing in a big stadium and in front of Malaysian fans,” said Sholeh.
“I started to feel better with my game after the 11th point. At first, I was a bit nervous but I knew I needed to strengthen my mentality,” added Sholeh.
Malaysia’s World No. 167 Lim Chong King contributed the second point after seeing off Khaitmurat Kulmatov 21-11, 21-11 before World No. 237 Kok Jin Hong sealed the deal for Malaysia through a win over Makhsut Tajibullayev 21-8, 21-4.
The World No. 45 men’s pair – Man Wei Chong/Tee Kai Wun who made their debut at the tournament needed only 17 minutes to overcome Jangir Ibrayev/Ilya Lysenko 21-5, 21-5
Malaysia’s World No. 17 Nur Izzuddin/Goh Sze Fei finished up the tie against Kazakhstan as they completed the team’s victory by outlasting Shalagin Andrey/Tajibullayev Makhsut 21-8, 21-4 in 15 minutes.
Malaysia will face Japan on Friday. If Malaysia wins, it will emerge as the group champions.
In another Group B fixture, Singapore overcame Japan 3-2 on Thursday.
If Singapore wins it’s next tie against Kazakhstan, it’ll advance to the semi-finals and will also qualify for the 2022 Thomas Cup Finals.
The semi-finalists of both the men’s and women’s events at the 2022 Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) will qualify automatically for the 2022 Thomas & Uber Cup Finals which will be held in Bangkok, from May 8 to May 15, 2022.
