KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's hopes of finishing on the podium at the Thomas Cup for the first time since 2016 have received a boost after avoiding top rivals China and Indonesia in the knockout draw conducted on Wednesday.
Malaysia, who qualified for the quarter-finals as Group D runners-up, will face Japan, led by Kodai Naraoka, winners of Group B, on Thursday.
For Malaysia, the draw is deemed "favourable" as they avoided top seeds China and third seeds Indonesia, winners of Group A and Group C respectively.
Should Malaysia defeat Japan, Lee Zii Jia and company will face hosts China or defending champions India, in the last four.
QUARTER-FINALS DRAW
China v India
Japan v Malaysia
Indonesia v South Korea
Denmark v Taiwan