Malaysia redeemed their battered pride by wresting the Commonwealth Games badminton mixed team gold from India with a 3-1 win in a rematch of 2018 final in Birmingham today.
Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik put Malaysia ahead
Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik put Malaysia ahead with a priceless first point against Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty after an exquisite performance for a 21-18, 21-15 victory.
The Olympic bronze medalists needed a big match to stamp their authority after recent poor performances, and it came none better than Rankireddy-Shetty who can punish anyone on their day.
The Indians looked to have the advantage at 18-15, but the Malaysians gallantly fought back to secure the next six points for the win.
Ng Tze Yong clinched a hard-fought point for Malaysia
Soh marshalling the front court was a genius move, with the lanky shuttler killing off several rallies to confirm the straight-game win.
Goh Jin Wei was up next against the in-form P. V. Sindhu as she put up a strong fight despite losing 20-22, 17-21.
India were expected to take the lead through S. Kidambi in the following men's singles match, but Ng Tze Yong pulled off one of his greatest wins as he clinched a 21-19, 6-21, 21-16 victory. Malaysia hit India where it hurt most, when world No 42 Ng Tze Yong defied the odds to stun World Championships silver medallist K. Srikanth.
Pearly Tan-M closed out the final for Malaysia
Revenge was certainly sweet for Tze Yong who had lost twice to Srikanth earlier this year, including during the Thomas Cup Finals in Bangkok three months ago. India had then won 3-2 in the last eight before going all the way to capture the world men's team title.
Needing just one more point to close out the final, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah clinched a hard-fought 21-18, 21-17 victory over Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand Pullela.
The success in Birmingham was Malaysia's fourth gold medal in the Commonwealth Games mixed team event after winning it from 2006 to 2014.