MALAYSIA’S hope for any consolation in the Axiata Cup did not materialise following their defeat to All-Star Asia in the playoff for third place yesterday.
The heartache was made worst for Malaysia as they lost by a mere seven points after a 2-2 tie at the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Stadium.
As the number of sets between both teams were tied at 4-4, points from each match were calculated for a final 147-140 score in favour of the visitors.
On Saturday, Malaysia lost in a similar fashion to Indonesia but it was the difference in sets that decided that tie.
A glitch in the court lighting yesterday delayed the first match between Chong Wei Feng and Hong Kong’s Hu Yun. Wei Feng, who seemed distracted, lost 22-20, 21-16.
Women’s singles Tee Jing Yi then went down 21-12, 21-8 to Taiwan’s Tai Tzu Ying.
Jing Yi’s margin of defeat was so wide that even victories from men’s doubles Tan Boon Heong-Tan Wee Kiong and mixed doubles Chan Peng Soon-Lai Pei Jing did not matter in the end.
“We played the best we could and it is unfortunate that we have to lose in this manner. Expectations were high for Wei Feng to win his match, but after losing 22-20 in the first game, he lost confidence.
“I guess the problem with the lights affected his rhythm. He was too distracted,” said national singles coach Rashid Sidek.
All-Star Asia pocketed home US$150,000 (RM520,000) while Malaysia settled for US$100,000.
Meanwhile, Thailand emerged champions after beating Indonesia in the final. Thailand pocketed US$400,000 while Indonesia received US$200,000.