The juniors defeated traditional rivals Indonesia 2-0 to secure their first final appearance in nine years, overcoming a stern test to keep their title hopes alive.

After Tiew Wei Jie fell 6-11 to Fardhan Rainanda Joe in the opening match, Genevie Lim-Low Zi Yu responded strongly in the women’s doubles, putting Malaysia back in front at 22-17 against Atresia Naufa Candani-Aurelia Syakira Putri.

Carine Tee narrowly missed out against Jolin Angelia, falling 32-33 in a 14-minute encounter, before Zulwaqqarizal Ahmad-Low Zi Yu edged ahead 44-43 against Moses Andar Simanjuntak-Reya Azzahra Yulianti to restore Malaysia’s lead.

Damien Ling-Shazmir Irfan Sharul then overcame Faizal Pangestu-Anju Siahaan, extending 55-49 lead to seal the first-round win.

Wei Jie turned the tables on Fardhan in the second round, claiming an 11-7 win, while Genevie Lim-Low Zi Yu widened the lead to 22-11 over Atresia Naufa Candani-Halifia Usni Pratiwi.

Carine also redeemed her earlier defeat to Jolin Angelia with a 33-28 triumph in 18 minutes.

Zulwaqqarizal Ahmad-Low Zi Yu beat Moses-Reya 44-37 in nine minutes, before Isyraf Hafizin Ibrahim-Zulwaqqarizal Ahmad sealed a 55-42 victory to complete a straight-round triumph in the semi-finals.

Malaysia will contest the final on Saturday against the defending champions China.