KUNSHAN (CHINA) - Lee Chong Wei's Malaysian squad survived a nail-biting showdown with Asian rivals South Korea at the Thomas Cup in China Tuesday, after the national women's team crashed out of the concurrent Uber Cup in a tight clash with Denmark.
Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei hits a return against Son Wan Ho of South Korea during the Thomas Cup badminton tournament in Kunshan, in eastern China's Jiangsu Province, on May 17, 2016
The world number three led the charge as Malaysia edged out South Korea 3-2 at the world team championship in Kunshan to finish as the top seed from their grouping ahead of the quarter-finals later this week.
The day did not start off promisingly for the Koreans with world number three Lee pushing past ninth ranked Son Wan-Ho in straight sets.
The Koreans were able to rally with doubles squads Lee Yong Dae and Yoo Yeon Seong, and Kim Gi-jung and Kim Sa-rang, prevailing in back-to-back wins.
But the Malaysians' depth on the singles front won the day with Chong Wei Feng besting South Korea's Jeon Hyeok-jin 21-16, 21-16.
The five-time Thomas Cup champs are aiming to break their 24-year drought at the tournament.
In Uber action, the Malaysian women's squad failed to stir a similar resurgence against Denmark, allowing the Danes to clinch a spot in the quarters after the closely contested 3-2 battle.
In the deciding singles match of the tie, Anne Thea Madsen sent the Malaysians crashing out of the tournament with a 22-24, 21-13, 21-13 win over Ho Yen Mei.
"I was quite fresh despite losing the first game," said Madsen in comments posted by the Badminton World Federation. "I could see she was a bit tired."
Both competitions feature 16 teams divided into four groups, with the top two in each qualifying for the quarter-finals.