KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia advanced to the men’s final of the Asia Team Championships when they upset favourites Japan 3-0 in Manila today.
Japan, who are without World No 1 Kento Momota, fell behind in the opening singles match when Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia defeated Kanta Tsuneyama 21-11, 8-21, 21-11 in 52 minutes.
In the second match (men’s doubles), Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik turned on a near perfect performance to beat Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi 21-18, 21-15 in only 35 minutes.
World No 71 Cheam June Wei maintained his fine performance in Manila when he upset World No 13 Kenta Nishimoto 21-19, 3-21, 21-12 in 54 minutes to seal Malaysia’s place in the final.
Malaysia will play Indonesia, who beat India 3-2, for the crown today.