PETALING JAYA: Malaysians on social media have come together to rally support for the country's badminton team in their march into semi-finals in the Thomas Cup Finals on Saturday (May 4).
Following the win by Goh Sze Fei–Nur Izzuddin Rumsani pair, who beat Akira Koga–Taichi Saito from Japan with 18-21, 21-15, 21-12 in the second doubles to give Malaysia the third and winning point 3-1, many netizens congratulated them, whole others expressed pride in the team and wished them good luck.
Among the happy Malaysians were Cecilia Chin, who said the pair had played well through skills and strategy.
"Intelligent players, other than skills they applied strategies.
"Well done to both of them," she said.
Facebook user Guna Vs has reminded the shuttlers to expect a tougher match ahead.
"Goh–Izzuddin had to work hard to get the winning point.
"But it will be a tougher match against China in the semi final," he wrote.
Abdul Rahman Mohd Rani said the victory must have been such a celebration in the arena.
"Their victory must have sent the Malaysian camp in the arena into rapturous celebration," he said.
Others also shared their positive view of the win.
"They're simply superb. We Malaysians are proud of you. Keep up the fighting spirit. Jia you Jia you. Malaysia Boleh," said Connie Hong.
"Well done boys. Raise the flag high," said Ruban Anpranasan
"Aim for the Cup now guys. Bring it home and salvage the pride of once dominating badminton nation," said Kumaran LK.
"A real surprise to be honest. But it's a win worth celebrating. The players played really well," said Mark David.
"It was indeed a great victory. It's a team spirit," said Halizan Ican Ali.
"Don't let the victory be a flash in the pan. Go on the warpath and destroy the enemies. Don't rest on your laurels. We Malaysians from all divides will be rooting for you," said Ammalanathan Muthupandian.
Malaysia pulled off the impossible to stun Japan 3-1 to reach the semi-finals of the Thomas Cup Finals in Chengdu, China on Thursday (May 2) night.
The win ended an eight-year wait as the team last reached the semis in 2016.
They will face mighty China in the last four battles on Saturday.
China defeated defending champions India 3-1 in another quarter-final tie.
