NST Feb 19: MALAYSIA edged Indonesia 3-2 to advance to the final of the Thomas Cup Asian Zone qualifying round in Jaipur, India, yesterday. The match was academic as both teams have already qualified for the final round in Japan in May but the win boosted the confidence of the Malaysians. The singles players secured all three points but their inconsistent doubles pairs were a letdown. Lee Chong Wei gave Malaysia a rousing start when he defeated Olympic and World champion Taufik Hidayat 21-13, 21-9 in the first singles. However, Luluk Hadiyanto-Alven Yulianto put Indonesia on level terms when they defeated Chan Chong Ming-Koo Kien Keat 21-16, 14-21, 21-16 in the first doubles. Hafiz Hashim put Malaysia 2-1 ahead when he beat two-time Sea Games champion Sony Dwi Kuncoro 21-10, 21-9 in the second singles only to see Indonesia saving the match through the second doubles. Markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan kept the Malaysians at bay when they defeated Lin Woon Fui-Fairuzizuan Tazari 21-13, 21-17 to take the match all the way to the deciding third singles. Kuan Beng Hong secured victory with a 24-22, 14-21, 21-17 win over Simon Santoso. Malaysia will play South Korea, who defeated India 3-0 in the other semi-final, to determine the zone champions today. In the Uber Cup, Malaysia secured a consolation 3-2 win over India and will be the reserves for the final round in Japan in May. RESULTS - Thomas Cup qualifiers, S-final: Malaysia 3 Indonesia 2 (Lee Chong Wei bt Taufik Hidayat 21-13, 21-9; Chan Chong Ming-Koo Kien Keat lost to Luluk Hadiyanto-Alven Yulianto 21-16, 14-21, 21-16; Hafiz Hashim bt Sony Dwi Kuncoro 21-10, 21-9; Lin Woon Fui-Fairuzizuan Tazari lost to markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan 21-13, 21-17; Kuan Beng Hong bt Simon Santoso 24-22, 14-21, 21-17). South Korea 3 India 0.
