Malaysia scored a convincing 4-1 win. Under the tournament rules, all five matches must be played even though victory is assured after a team wins the first three matches.

Malaysia, which defeated France 5-0 yesterday, will play Japan on Thursday to decide the winner of the group.

Expecting an easy tie, Malaysia fielded eight fresh players in today’s encounter against Australia.

Malaysia’s world No 4 mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, back after a brief separation, gave Malaysia a head start by defeating Ricky Teng-Gronya Somerville 21-8, 21-12.

Men’s singles player Justin Hoh made his Sudirman Cup debut by defeating unheralded Shrey Dhand 21-9, 21-15 to give Malaysia a 2-0 lead.

And women’s singles player K Letshanaa clinched the winning point when she beat Teoh Kaiqi 21-6, 21-8 to seal Malaysia’s victory in the first three matches.

However, scratch women’s doubles pair Go Pei Kee-Carmen Ting dropped a point after losing to Gronya Somerville-Angela Yu 15-21, 18-21.

Men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik made the scoreline 4-1 when they defeated Jack Fu-Frederick Zhao 21-8, 21-9.