KUALA LUMPUR: Team captain Soh Wooi Yik received the perfect birthday gift as he led Malaysia into the final of the Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) on Saturday.
The national men's doubles player and his partner Aaron Chia not only recovered from a first-game setback in the semi-finals against Japan but also gave Malaysia a valuable 2-0 lead in the tie.
To make the day even more meaningful and memorable, fans at the Setia City Convention Centre (SCCC) sang for the 26-year-old before the match.
Earlier, Lee Zii Jia, who had to sit out of Friday's quarter-finals with a sinus problem, put Malaysia in front when he defeated Kenta Nishimoto 21-18, 21-15 in the first singles match.
Former world champions Aaron-Wooi Yik had to instil confidence in their teammates, and they did not disappoint.
Despite being pushed to a deciding game, the World No. 5 Malaysians overcame Akira Koga-Taichi Saito 15-21, 21-17, 21-10.
"Although we won two years ago, Aaron and I still lost in our match against Japan (group stage). Coincidentally, it was on my birthday as well.
"I thought about that moment, and it kept me motivated throughout the match today; I was more fired up.
"This one is for the fans," said Wooi Yik, who is also the men's team captain this year.
Former Asian junior champion Leong Jun Hao could have sealed the tie, but the 25-year-old couldn't finish off Koki Watanabe, as he succumbed 19-21, 21-12, 21-19, allowing Japan to get right back into the match.
Men's doubles Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin ensured there was no need for a fifth and deciding singles match between Eogene Ewe and two-time former world champion Kento Momota, when they defeated Kenya Mitsuhashi-Hiroki Okamura 21-15, 21-19.
Malaysia will face China in the final on Sunday.
Top seeds China also had to dig deep before beating South Korea 3-2 in the semi-finals.
In the women's event, India upset Japan 3-2 in the semi-finals and will face Thailand, who defeated 2022 champions Indonesia 3-1 in the last four.
SEMI-FINAL RESULTS
Men's - Malaysia bt Japan 3-1; China bt South Korea 3-2
Women's - India bt Japan 3-2; Thailand bt Indonesia 3-1