Malaysia return to top division at Sudirman Cup

Malaysia gained promotion into the top division of the badminton Sudirman Cup with a 3-1 victory over Japan on Friday in Beijing.

Malaysia, in a bid to return to the elite group in the mixed team championships, started their playoff campaign with Wong Choong- Hann/Wong Pei Tty taking on Keita Masuda/Tadashi Ohtsuka of Japan.

The Malaysian mixed duo met little resistance from their opponents and eased into a 15-7, 15-4 win.

"The mixed category is crucial for us to make it to Division One for next edition," said Malaysian head coach Yap Kim-Hock.

"We are stronger on men's singles and doubles. As long as we win the opening mixed match, we're almost certain to beat Japan."

Current world Number five Lee Chong Wei continued the winning streak to crush Shoji Sato 15-3, 15-0 in men's singles, but Japan launched fightback with Eriko Hirose overcame Wong Mew Choo 11-1, 8- 11, 11-8.

Malaysia clinched the winning point for the sole promotion spot as their men's pair Koo Kian-Keat/Chan Chong-Ming conquered Keita Masuda/Tadashi Ohtsuka 15-4, 15-13.

In the second group, Malaysia has already made known that they would not be satisfied with any other result than a direct promotion to the top group, as they consider themselves as the only top badminton country not to be in the top group.

The 1999 Sudirman Cup was Malaysia's sole experience in the first division.