KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia moved closer to the Thomas Cup quarter-finals after thrashing Hong Kong 5-0 in their opening Group D tie today.
First singles Lee Zii Jia drew first blood when he downed world No. 15 Lee Cheuk Yiu 21-18, 21-18 at the Hi Tech Zone Sports Centre in Chengdu, China.
Former world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik doubled Malaysia's lead when they overpowered Law Cheuk Him-Yeung Shing Choi 21-16, 21-12.
Leong Jun Hao clinched the tie when he gave Malaysia an unassailable 3-0 lead with a come-from-behind 17-21, 21-12, 21-15 upset of world No. 27 Angus Ng.
Malaysia's high flying second doubles Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani made it 4-0 when they defeated Reginald Lee-Tang Chun Man 21-19, 21-18.
Debutant Justin Hoh completed the rout when he defeated Chan Yin Chak 21-17, 19-21, 21-17.