Malaysia's top shuttler Lee Chong Wei failed to deliver and all the first-timers in the Asiad team were simply a bundle of nerves. And it resulted in a shock 3-2 defeat by Thailand in the quarter-finals of the men's team tie. It was Malaysia's first loss to Thailand in 30 years.

Said team manager Datuk Maijol Manap: "This is really disappointing. We talked about the challenges from China, Indonesia and the ROK but today, we could not even clear the quarter-finals against a fighting Thai team."

Lee's task to get Malaysia off to a rousing start misfired. Singles coach Misbun Sidek admitted that it was a disappointing outing but said that Lee was under the weather.

"But he has a few days to rest and recover. I am confident he will bounce back in the individual competition," he said.

- THE STAR (MALAYSIA)