The national team put up a strong display in the next three matches to take an unassailable 3-1 lead, guaranteeing a slot in the last eight of the tournament being played in Horsens, Denmark.

Malaysia, who defeated England 3-2 yesterday, take on Japan on Wednesday to fight for the top spot in Group B, which comes with a seeding in the fresh draw for the quarter-finals.

The 25th-ranked Jun Hao had gone down tamely to Finland’s world No 60 shuttler Joakim Oldorff in straight games of 21-17, 21-15 in 43 minutes.

Jun Hao, who was not fielded in the opener against England on Saturday, appeared lethargic as he made numerous unforced errors.

Justin Hoh then levelled the score at 1-1 for Malaysia after smashing past Kalle Koljonen 21-14, 21-12 in 39 minutes.

Lee Zii Jia, ranked No 82, gave Malaysia the lead after defeating world No 706 shuttler Ananda Galvani Daniswara 21-19, 21-10 in the third singles tie in 35 minutes.

Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani then wrapped up the tie for Malaysia by beating Eliel Melleri-Niilo Nyqvist in easy straight games of 21-12, 21-15 in just 23 minutes.

Scratch pair Soh Wooi Yik-Tee Kai Wun will take on Ananda Galvani Daniswara-Alvar Melleri in the final match, which is expected to go Malaysia’s way.

Malaysia has won the Thomas Cup five times so far, the last being in 1992.