KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia finally ended their five-year wait when they reached the mixed team final of the BWF World Junior Championships 2016 in Bilbao, Spain on Saturday.
Malaysia, who last won the Suhandinata Cup in 2011, defeated Thailand 3-1 en route to reaching the last stage.
It was, however, Thailand who drew first blood through their mixed doubles Pakin Kuna Anuvit-Laisuan Ruethaichanok, who saw off Ooi Zi Heng-Pearly Koong 20-22, 22-20, 21-12.
Boys' singles Lee Zii Jia, then stepped up to level the score with a convincing 21-18, 21-13 win over Kanthapon Wangcharoen.
Reigning girls' singles champion Goh Jin Wei made it 2-1 when she chalked up a 21-12, 21-15 win over Pornpawee Chochuwong.
Boys' doubles Chen Tang Jie-Man Wei Chong confirmed the victory when they beat Panachai Worasaktayanan-Warit Sarapat 21-18, 21-12.
Malaysia will play defending champions China at 9pm (Malaysian time) today. China had earlier defeated Japan 3-0 in the semi-finals.