PHNOM PENH: History repeated itself as the national women's badminton team failed to make the semi-finals after suffering a shock 3-0 defeat to Philippines today.
Malaysia was forced to play Tan Zhing Yi in the first singles slot as Wong Ling Ching was reported to be injured.
Zhing Yi, ranked No. 138, put up a fight but eventually succumbed to a 24-22, 21-18 defeat at the hands of Mikaela Joy De Guzman at the Morodok Techo Badminton Hall.
Low Yeen Yuan-Valeree Siow came close to leveling the tie but could not convert on the big points and lost 22-20, 19-21, 24-22 to Alyssa Ysabel Leonardo-Thea Marie Pomar.
Their defeat placed added pressure on second singles player Siti Nurshuhaini Azman, who went down 21-16, 21-18 to Maria Bianca Ysabel Carlos.
Malaysia had suffered a similar fate last year when they were beaten 3-1 by Vietnam at the Hanoi games.
Nurshuhaini, who was in tears after her match, admitted that the pressure affected her.
"I was not able to perform well for Malaysia last year (Hanoi) so this is quite disappointing," said Nurshuhaini.
"I played in the first singles slot last year, but failed to contribute a point to the team. This time I was the last player, but I still was not able to win a point.
"The drought was a factor, but I was also under a lot of pressure as we were trailing 2-0."