Thomas/Uber Cup: Li Lian turns hero

YANG Li Lian, making her debut in the Uber Cup, staged a miraculous fightback as Malaysia edged India 3-2 to keep their hopes alive in the Uber Cup qualifying rounds in Macau yesterday.

Yang Li Lian celebrates after beating India’s Sayali Gokhale yesterday. Pic by Owee Ah Chun

Li Lian, only a reserve, was on the backfoot throughout the match and trailed 2-11 in the deciding game before brilliantly snatching a 11-21, 21-15, 22-20 win over Sayali Gokhale in the third singles to virtually earn Malaysia a quarter-final berth from Group W.
It didn't start promisingly for Malaysia as Tee Jing Yi suffered a 21-17, 21-16 loss to Saina Nehwal who played despite having viral fever.

However, Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui brought Malaysia back into the match when they beat Jwala Gutta-Ashwini Ponnappa 21-12, 21-16.

Lydia Cheah performed poorly against P.V. Sindhu and suffered a 16-21, 21-13, 21-9 defeat but second doubles Goh Liu Ying-Vivian Hoo kept Malaysia in the hunt.

Liu Ying-Vivian defeated Prajakta Sawant-Pradnya Gadre 21-17, 21-17 to draw level at 2-2.

Li Lian, 19, said she didn't even expect to play in the match and couldn't believe that she became the unlikely hero for Malaysia.

"I didn't think too much when I was trailing 2-11 and just wanted to take as many points as I could. I am delighted that I became the hero of the team," said Li Lian.

"I just focused on reducing my mistakes and I started closing the gap, I guess my opponent became nervous.

"It was a really a wonderful moment for me as I didn't even expect to win as I was only a reserve.

"However, I told myself I will win a point for Malaysia and I am happy to achieve that."

National doubles coach Rexy Mainaky was a relieved man as the effort of his charges didn't go to waste due to Li Lian's heroics.

"The doubles players did well to save the match and we always had faith in Li Lian. She is very talented and it was great to see her fighting without fear although she is inexperienced," said Rexy.

"Li Lian always had the potential but has limited opportunities but she proved her pedigree here.

"We have been saved by our spirited players and we must go all out to qualify for the final."

Malaysia's place in the last eight looks assured as India are not expected to beat China in their last group match today.
Courtesy of New Straits Times