JAKARTA, June 7 — The Malaysian shuttlers had mixed fortunes in the Indonesia Open as two doubles pairs moved to the semi-finals while two other pairs had disappointing outings in their quarter-final matches here today.
On an action-packed day at Istora Senayan, mixed doubles pair Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing, world No.21, put up a sizzling show to dispose of eighth-seeded South Koreans Kim Won Ho-Jeong Na Eun 21-8, 21-19.
The pair will face world No.5 Jiang Zhen Bang-Wei Ya Xin from China, who beat Feng Yan Zhe-Huang Dong Ping 21-17, 11-21, 21-16 in an all-Chinese affair.
“The first set was surprisingly easy and we seized every opportunity to score points. The second set was a little tough as they started playing well but we managed to scrape through after focusing on our own momentum,” said the duo after the match.
Men’s doubles pair, world No.20 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, cruised into the semi-finals after edging out Tan Lu Ching Yao-Yang Po Han from Taiwan 21-17, 18-21, 21-10 to set up a date with home favourites Sabar Karyaman Gutama-Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani.
In the men’s singles competition, ace Lee Zii Jia failed to cross the quarter-finals after losing to Kunlavut Vitidsarn from Thailand 21-16, 21-17 in straight sets.
“The result was certainly disappointing. Kunlavut had good defensive shots and that made it difficult for me to beat him,” said Zii Jia, who wants to quickly erase his bitter moments in Jakarta and prepare for the Australian Open.
Rising star Leong Jun Hao’s giant-killing act came to an end when he lost to Asian Games champion Li Shi Feng from China 11-21, 12-21.
Also on their way home were men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M.Thinaah.
— Bernama
