The women shuttlers have now won two of their three matches in Group B, after edging past Turkey 3-2 yesterday. They will clash with Japan tomorrow for top position, which will give them a seeding for the fresh quarter-finals draw.

After having struggled against Turkey yesterday, the Malaysian women’s team was a complete contrast today against the relatively unknown South African players.

Malaysia’s winning point was delivered by third singles player Siti Zulaikha Azmi who breezed past Elme De Villiers 21-11, 21-5 in just 21 minutes.

Earlier, K Letshanaa had given Malaysia a positive start by beating Johanita Scholtz 21-6, 21-10 in just 22 minutes, with second singles player Wong Ching Ling making it 2-0 with a powerful display to defeat Chloe Lai 21-8, 21-4 in just 20 minutes.

Malaysia wrapped up the tie with two more victories from their young women’s doubles pairs.

Ong Xin Yee-Carmen Ting showed composure under pressure to overcome Johanita Scholtz-Amy Ackerman 21-16, 21-14 in 31 minutes to secure the fourth point. The finishing touch to a near-perfect outing came through debutants Chong Jie Yu–Low Zi Yu who overcame De Villiers-Anri Schoonees by 21-12, 21-5 in 21 minutes.

Malaysia have made the Uber Cup quarter-finals three times previously, in 2004, 2008 and 2010. The team will wrap up the Group B action against six-time champions Japan tomorrow.