PETALING JAYA: Malaysia were dealt a blow in the Thomas Cup after being drawn to face favourites China in the quarter-finals.
China, who have won the title 11 times, are strong favourites, and the Malaysians will be hard-pressed to reach the semi-finals.
Malaysia have reached the semi-finals 15 times since the tournament’s inception in 1945.
Malaysia were not seeded in today’s draw in Horsens, Denmark, as they finished runners-up in Group B, with Japan topping the group.
The Malaysian women’s team was also drawn to face powerhouse China in the quarter-finals of the Uber Cup, which are currently under way.
China are 16-time Uber Cup champions while Malaysia are making their first appearance in the last-eight in 16 years.