HORSENS, April 30 -- Malaysian top shuttler Lee Zii Jia maintained his 100 per cent record at the BWF Thomas Cup Finals on Tuesday, but his victory was a mere consolation as the national team fell 3-2 to Japan in their final group-stage tie.

Lee defeated Koki Watanabe 21-13, 21-19, in a match that was effectively a dead rubber. Japan had already secured the tie and top spot in Group B by establishing a 3-1 lead.

With the pressure off, the 28-year-old Malaysian showcased his class, cruising past Watanabe in a match that lasted just 41 minutes, according to the Olympic Games.

The win marks his first career victory over the Japanese opponent and ensures he has yet to drop a single game in this year's world men's team championships.

Malay...