Malaysia’s Wong Mew Choo plays a shot to South Korea’s Hwang Hye Youn yesterday. Mew Choo won 21-16, 21-5.

WONG Mew Choo rattled the South Koreans by earning the first point but it did little to inspire her teammates as Malaysia lost 3-1 in the Uber Cup quarter-finals at Istora Senayan yesterday.

However, if only the national coaches had decided to retain the Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui combination, it could have been a different story.

Mew Choo produced another grand performance in her match against Hwang Hye Youn.

However, it did not start smoothly for her as she was trailing 5-10 and 7-12 before Mew Choo roared back by capitalising Hye Youn’s weakness at the baseline. The Malaysian won the first game 21-16.

Mew Choo was more superior in the second game as she took a quick 13-2 lead. The tiring Korean could not do much as she managed only three points after that before conceding the game 21-5 in a match which lasted 34 minutes.

It was Mew Choo’s first victory in three meetings with the Korean.

The national coaches retained Lim Pek Siah-Wong Pei Tty as the first doubles, hoping they would repeat their fantastic performance against Japan on Tuesday.

However, it backfired as the Malaysians were humiliated 21-13, 21-4 by Lee Hyo Jung-Kim Min Jung for Korea to level the tie.

Julia Wong, who secured Malaysia’s winning point in their 3-0 win over Japan, was expected to win against Lee Yun Hwa - a player ranked nine rungs below her in the women’s world ranking - in the second singles.

However, the Malaysian lost 21-14, 21-13 in 34 minutes.

In the second doubles, scratch pair Chin Eei Hui-Ng Hui Ling gave some hope of upsetting Lee Kyung Won-Ha Jung Eun when they won the opening game 21-17.

However the Malaysians failed to maintain their rhythm and lost the second 21-16 and the decider 21-12.

Mew Choo said despite the loss, it was a victory for the Maalaysian women.

“We played our hearts out and I believe we bowed out with dignity. Other countries will take notice of our performance in the future,” said Mew Choo.

Article source:

The New Straits Times

KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob was a spectator at Stadium Negara when Malaysia last won the Thomas Cup Finals in 1992.

Like all Malaysians, he too felt a great sense of pride after watching the Malaysian team’s electrifying 3-2 win over Indonesia in the final.

Yesterday, Ismail urged the Thomas Cuppers to bring back the good times by reclaiming the Cup.

“I know how the people of Malaysia felt at that time. I was there and it was a great feeling. The Thomas Cup victory brought the people together and this is what I the boys to do,” Ismail said after a 30-minute closed door meeting with the Thomas-Uber Cup squads at the Bukit Jalil Sports Complex.

Pep talk: Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob talking to the Thomas and Uber Cup players after dinner at the Bukit Jalil Sports Complex yesterday. – By KAMARUL ARIFFIN/The Star

“Thomas Cup is always so special for the people of Malaysia. I remember during my younger days when villagers would gather around a radio to listen to the live commentary during the Finals. It is all about pride of the nation when it comes to Thomas Cup.”

Ismail said the players had given their commitment to live up to the country’s expectations.

On Malaysia’s chances in Jakarta, Ismail said: “The players have beaten all their probable opponents before and there is no reason for them not to do it again.

“It is all about having a winning mentality,” added Ismail.

Article Source:

The Star Sports