XIAMEN - Japan rallied from two matches down to edge Malaysia 3-2 in a thrilling Sudirman Cup Group C decider on Thursday, securing the top spot in the group.

Both teams had already qualified for the quarterfinals after winning their opening two rounds. Malaysia got off to a winning start as mixed doubles duo Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei triumphed 21-19, 21-18 over Japan's newly paired Hiroki Midorikawa and Arisa Igarashi, before Leong Jun Hao stunned world No. 8 Kodai Naraoka 21-8, 13-21, 21-18 in men's singles to extend Malaysia's lead.

Japan's 18-year-old Tomoka Miyazaki initiated the turnaround, dominating Goh Jin Wei 21-14, 21-17 in women's singles. World champions Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi leveled the tie at 2-2 after a grueling 69-minute men's doubles battle.

In the decisive women's doubles contest, Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida outlasted Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan 21-18, 18-21, 21-18.

"The men's doubles victory gave us huge motivation," said Shida, who had celebrated her 28th birthday two days prior. "We're here aiming for the title."

France secured third place in Group C with a 4-1 victory over Australia.

Also on Thursday, Indonesia claimed Group D's top honors with a 4-1 win over Denmark, while India beat England 3-2. Denmark and Indonesia advanced into the next phase.

The draw for the knockout rounds took place after the conclusion of group matches, with host China set to face Malaysia, Japan to take on Chinese Taipei, South Korea to meet Denmark, and Indonesia to play against Thailand.

READ MORE: China, Thailand, South Korea, Chinese Taipei reach Sudirman Cup knockouts

The knockout stage begins on Friday, with the final set for Sunday. 13-time winner China remains the most successful team in the tournament's history.