Malaysia defeat Inida to stay alive, Thailand beat Russia 3-2 at Sudirman Cup

NANNING, China - Malaysia edged past India 3-2 to keep their hope of progressing to the next round in the Sudirman Cup here on Tuesday while Russia was eliminated from group stage following a 3-2 defeat against Thailand.

The result means India have to defeat the 10-time champions China to stay alive in the tournament, and China's victory will ensure Malaysia into the quarterfinals.

"To play against China, we have to go and give our all, because I think it's the only chance left for us," said women's doubles player Sikki of India.

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Ponnappa put India ahead in the opening mixed doubles, beating the 6th-ranked Goh Soon Huat and Lai Shevon Jemie from Malaysia 16-21, 21-17, 24-22.

Malaysian, who is missing the legend Lee Chong Wei, leveled as Lee Zii Jia overwhelmed Sameer Verma 21-13, 21-15 in men's singles. But Pursarla V. Sinhdu gave India the lead once again with an easy victory 21-12, 21-8 over Goh Jin Wei.

Malaysian showed their dominance in the next two doubles fixtures, Aaron Chia/Teo Ee Yi defeated world No. 22 Attri Manu/Reddy B. Sumeeth 22-20, 21-19 before Chow Mei Kuan/Lee Meng Yean downed Ashwini Ponnappa/Reddy N. Sikki 21-11, 21-19.

After losing to Japan 3-2 in their opening match on Monday, Russia suffered another narrow defeat and saw Thailand advance to the last eight.

Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Sapsiree Taerattanachai, Singapore Open 2019 winners of mixed doubles, sealed Thailand's victory after a 2-2 tie by overwhelming Evgenia Dimova and Evgenij Dremin 21-10, 21-11.

"We were under a lot of pressure for 1-2 lagging behind, but my teammates tied the score at 2-2 in women's doubles, it gave us confidence to win the match." said Taerattanachai.

Russia took the 2-1 lead after winning the men's singles and men's doubles, before Thailand fought back in the women's doubles for a 2-2 tie as Jongkolphan Kititharakul/Rawinda Prajongjai beat Ekaterina Bolotova/Alina Davletova 21-19, 21-14.