GUANGZHOU (China), May 16: A jubilant Malaysia powered into the final of the Thomas Cup here Thursday after they sensationally sent favourites China crashing out of the prestigious men’s team tournament.
Malaysian doubles duo Lee Wan Wah and Choon Tan Fook clinched the winning tie to make it 3-1, but it was international newcomer Hashim Muhd Hafiz B who was the hero of the hour with a drama-packed five game victory over Bao Chunlai in the third match of a titanic four-and-half hour battle.
China’s world number one Xia Xuanze was pushed to the limit by a pumped-up Wong Choong Hann before emerging a 6-8, 8-6, 7-5, 8-6 winner.
The match was back on level terms after underfire Chinese doubles pair of Zhang Jun and Wang Wei crashed to a 4-7, 5-7, 2-7 straight games loss to Malaysia’s top ranked doubles pair of Chan Chong Ming and Chew Choon Eng.
Gunawan’s decision to field Hashim, playing in his first major international team event, ahead of the experienced Ong Ewe Hock paid dividends when he brilliantly overcame world number three Bao Chunlai 1-7, 7-4, 8-7, 1-7, 7-5.
Bao levelled in the next and opened up a 5-1 lead the fifth game and looked home and dry, but Hashim rallied to sweep the next six points for a memorable victory.
Malaysian duo Lee Wan Wah and Choong Tan Fook then battled back from two games down and held their nerve superbly to take the decider 7-3 to send the Malaysian fans wild.
Gunawan refused to answer questions on what the Malaysians’ tactics against Indonesia would be in the final saying that Indonesia had not even defeated Denmark in Friday’s second semi-final yet.
However, he did say that if the reigning champions did make the final “we have already played them once and we will be ready.”
Results:
Thomas Cup (semifinal)
China 1 Malaysia 3
Singles: Xia Xuanze (Chn) bt Wong Choong Hann (Mal) 6-8, 8-6, 7-5, 8-6; Hashim Muhd Hafiz B (Mal) bt Bao Chunlai (Chn) 1-7, 7-4, 8-7, 1-7, 7-5
Doubles: Chan Chong Ming/Chew Choong Eng (Mal) bt Zhang Jun/Wang Wei (Chn) 7-4, 7-5, 7-2; Lee Wan Wah/Choong Tan Fook (Mal) bt Zhang Wei/Chen Qiqui (Chn) 5-7, 6-8, 7-1, 7-3, 7-3.—AFP