Leong Jun Hao had “given everything” after falling to China’s Shi Yu Qi in the first singles match of Malaysia’s Thomas Cup quarterfinal loss on Friday in Horsens, Denmark.

Malaysia's hopes of reaching the semi-finals suffered an early setback after Jun Hao was beaten 21-10, 16-21, 21-9 by the Chinese star. The defeat set the tone for the eventual 3-0 loss Malaysia suffered at the hands of defending champions China and left the country still waiting for its first Thomas Cup title since 1992.

Shi, the world number one, set the tone for the first set with precise net play and aggressive attacks, dictating the pace of the rallies.

However, he stepped up the pace and played with more confidence to force errors from the Chinese shuttler to level the contest. Jun Hao's second-game recovery briefly leveled the match.

But the deciding game would soon see the momentum swing back. Shi Yu Qi opened up an early lead, while Jun Hao struggled to make up for rushing some key points.

“I just tried to stay positive and push myself point by point, trying my best to take a game from him,” said Jun Hao after the match.

“In the third game, I didn’t start well. I think I rushed some points, and he came out with some sharp attacks early on.”

The Malaysian said he did not regret his effort on the court despite the loss.

“I believe I gave everything I had today,” he added.

Jun Hao’s defeat means he ended the Thomas Cup without a win, losing all three of his matches.

Shi Yu Qi Battles Through Fitness Concerns to Hand China Early Advantage against Malaysia

Shi Yu Qi later admitted he was still physically recuperating from a recent stomach problem before the quarter-final clash.

Jun Hao stepped up the pressure and extended rallies in the second game, and the Chinese ace looked a little slower at times.

But Shi responded well in the decider, mixing up his pace and putting the Malaysian on the back foot all over the court.

The world No. 1 took control early in the third game and never allowed Jun Hao back into the match.

His tactical changes and consistent finishing enabled China to take the first point of the tie before the defending champions completed a 3-0 victory.

China advanced to the semi-finals, while Malaysia continues its long wait to win the Thomas Cup.

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Written by

Chitrak Mukherjee

Edited by

Siddharth Rawat