MALAYSIA AND JAPAN AWARDED QUARTERFINAL BERTHS IN THOMAS CUP

KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Japan were awarded Thomas Cup
quarterfinal berths from Group B by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Monday
following Nigeria's absence yesterday in their opener against the hosts.

Malaysia were given a 5-0 win against Nigeria while Japan were awarded the
same although they would still play against Nigeria this evening.

The Nigerians arrived only Sunday night after their earlier flight were
cancelled, missing their evening tie against Malaysia.

"The result of Japan-Nigeria tie will not count in the final positions in
Group B but each of the individual matches will count towards the world ranking.

"This decision will also apply to the Malaysia-Nigeria tie," BWF chief
operating officer Thomas Lund told reporters Monday.

The decision was made by the management committee comprising Lund,
tournament referee Mojmir Hnilica and Paisan Rangsikitpho.

Lund said even if Nigeria managed to steal a point off Japan, the scoreline
would still be 5-0 to be fair to both Japan and Malaysia.

A fresh draw for the knockout quarterfinals would be held tomorrow night
after all the group matches were completed.

-- BERNAMA