Malaysia’s dismal performance continues in Indonesia

0

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s dismal performance in the US$1 million (RM3.1 million) Axiata Cup continued in their third group match with a 2-2 draw against Indonesia at the DBL Badminton Arena in Surabaya, Indonesia, yesterday.

Malaysia who could only muster a 2-2 draw against Thailand on Friday, did no better yesterday when women’s singles player Tee Jing Yi failed to clinch the first point after losing to Belaetrik Manuputi 10-21, 18-21, in straight sets.

In the men’s singles, Chong Wei Feng also lost to Tommy Sugiarto, 16-21, 11-21, in straight sets, leaving mixed doubles pair Chang Peng Soon/Goh Liu Yeng to work extra hard to reduce the deficit and save Malaysia the blushes by beating Muhammad Rijal/Debby Susanto 18-21, 21-16, 21-18.

The country’s men’s doubles pair Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong had to dig deep into their reserves to defeat Hendra Setiawan/Rian Agung Saputro to level the tie after a 21-12, 26-24 victory.

Malaysia will next face team Europe today before taking on Singapore at the Cheras Badminton Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, on March 29.

Apart from Malaysia and Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines and a selection from Asia and Selection from Europe are competing in the inaugural championships that offers winners a lucrative payout.

The winner of the Axiata Cup 2013 takes home US$400,000 (RM1.24 million); runner-up US$200,000 (RM620,000) while third and fourth placed teams receive

US$150,000 (RM465,000) and US$100,000 (RM310,000), respectively. Malaysia had beaten the Philippines 4-0 in their opening match. — Bernama