PETALING JAYA: Malaysian shuttlers cruised to an easy 5-0 win over an understrength France in their Group C opener of the mixed biennial Sudirman Cup championship in Xiamen, China, today.
The victory puts them in a strong footing to qualify for the knockout stage, with ties against Australia and Japan to be played tomorrow and Wednesday, respectively.
The top two teams in the group qualify for the quarter-finals.
World No 2 men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani got Malaysia to a good start by defeating Mael Cattoen-Lucas Renoir 21-11, 21-9 in the opening match.
Women’s singles shuttler Goh Jin Wei made it 2-0 by defeating Leonice Huet 21-10, 21-19.
Men’s singles player Leong Jun Hao sealed the tie by winning the decisive point, edging his opponent, Arnaud Merkle, also in straight games 22-20, 21-19.
Malaysia completed the rout with women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M Thinaah and mixed doubles duo Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Jemie Lai winning their matches with ease.
Pearly-Thinaah beat Margot Lambert-Camille Pognante 21-13, 21-10, while Soon Huat-Shevon won 21-7, 21-9 against Gregoire Deschamp-Elsa Jacob.
The Malaysians are expected to have another easy tie when they play Australia tomorrow.