Japan ends Malaysia's Sudirman Cup fairytale run to setup showdown against China

Japan booked their place in the final of the Sudirman Cup on Saturday after beating Malaysia 3-1.

Japan led 2-0 thanks to wins from their men's doubles pairing of Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi as well as Akane Yamaguchi from their women's singles matches.

But Malaysia were given a lifeline after Lee Zii Jia stunned Kento Momota in straight games to halve the deficit.

Japan eventually got their third win of the evening after Mayu Matsumoto and Misaki Matsumoto saw off Thinaah Muralitharan and Pearly Tan in the women's doubles in straight games.

Japan will face China in the final for the third time on Sunday, where they will be aiming to secure their first-ever Sudirman Cup title.

Japan had faltered at the final hurdle back in 2015 and 2019.