BIRMINGHAM: After reclaiming the mixed team gold from India, can the national shuttlers ride on the momentum to win more titles in the individual competitions next?
There are five more gold at stake and Malaysia are capable of raking in at least three more, given Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing's top billing in the men's doubles, women's doubles and mixed doubles respectively.
The shuttlers will aim to match Malaysia's best-ever haul of four gold, which was achieved only twice in Games history — in Melbourne 2006 and New Delhi 2010.
Doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky feels that their team event triumph would have taken some pressure off his charges in the bid for individual glory.
"Winning the team gold is a massive boost not only to their morale, but ease the pressure for the next events," said Rexy.
"I know none of them will take things for granted, they will focus on their next quest."
All eyes will be on Aaron-Wooi Yik to restore the nation's pride in men's doubles.
At the Gold Coast, Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong were a big letdown as Malaysia surrendered their 28-year domination in men's doubles.
However, this time, World No 7 Aaron-Wooi Yik have sent out early warning to their major rivals – India's Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty and Ben Lane-Sean Vendy of England – by beating them in straight games in the team event.
Rexy was particularly pleased with how Aaron-Wooi Yik handled themselves during the crucial moments as seen in their 21-18, 21-15 victory against Satwiksairaj-Chirag in the team final. Trailing 15-18, the Malaysians stayed composed to win six straight points to seal the opening game.
"They showed a positive mindset and stayed level-headed throughout. When they are able to enjoy their game, they're capable of beating anyone," said Rexy.
Thinaah, who clinched the winning point with Pearly in Malaysia's 3-1 win over India, is not getting carried away after securing their first gold.
"I think for now we hope to keep our momentum going in the women's doubles event," she said.
Pearly-Thinaah are the overwhelming favourites and they should be able to overcome India's Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand once again in their likely last four clash.
If all goes according to script, Pearly-Thinaah are expected to face England's Chloe Birch-Lauren Smith in the title decider.
Hopes are also high on Chan Peng Soon-Cheah Yee See to make it an all-Malaysian final in the mixed doubles with Kian Meng-Pei Jing.
Peng Soon-Yee See, rested for the team final, made an impression by beating Marcus Ellis-Lauren Smith during Malaysia's 3-0 win over England in the last four.
The England world No 11 are seen as the biggest threat to Malaysia's hopes of nicking the mixed doubles gold.