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JAPAN topped Group B in the Thomas Cup 2026 after defeating Malaysia 3-2 at Horsens in Denmark today.
Kodai Naraoka beat Leong Jun Hao in the opening singles 21-11, 21-15.
Aaron Chia-Tee Kai Wun evened the score at 1-1 in their match against Kakaeru Kumagai-Hiroki Nishi. They dropped the first set 16-21, but came back stronger to clinch victory 21-14, 21-19.
In the second singles, Yushi Tanaka beat Justin Hoh 21-15, 21-12, while Nur Izzuddin-Soh Wooi Yik went down to Takumi Nomura-Yuichi Shimogami after winning the first set.
It was a tough battle before the Japanese pair won 14-21, 21-19, 21-19.
In the final singles, Lee Zii Jia defeated Koki Watanabe in straight sets, 21-13, 21-19.
As Group B runners-up, Malaysia will face one of the group winners when a draw is made after the group stage concludes. - April 29, 2026
