Irreprissible Chong Wei, Koo-Tan upset
News 10:39 AM
Unstoppable – that aptly sums up Lee Chong Wei’s performance in the quarter-final of the Malaysia Open Grand Prix Gold tournament at the Bandaraya Stadium in Johor Bahru on Friday.
And at the receiving end of Chong Wei’s dominance was Indonesian youngster Andre Kurniawan Tedjono was comprehensively beaten in straight games, 21-11, 21-9 as the Malaysian marched into the semi-finals of the USD120,000 tournament.Trying to stop Chong Wei in the last four will be another youngster from India, 23-year-old Ajay Jayaram. The Indian beat Hong Kong’ Chan Yan Kit 21-19, 21-13 in the quarter-finals.
“It was a relatively easy match as I was in control all the time,” said Chong Wei.
“However, this match is over and now, I have to prepare for the semi-final against Ajay. I am not very familiar with his game and as such, more preparation is needed.”
Chong Wei has been in cruise mode throughout the tournament and has hardly been tested in Johor.
Joining Chong Wei in the last four is compatriot Wong Choong Hann who beat fellow Malaysian Mohd Hafiz Hashim 19-21, 21-17, 21-11.
Choong Hann will take on No 2 seed Taufik Hidayat in the semi-final. The Indonesian beat Hong Kong’s Hu Yun 21-13, 9-21, 21-11.
In the women’s singles, Malaysia’s Wong Mew Choo also marched into the semi-finals when she beat Hong Kong’s Chan Tsz Ka 21-12, 21-13.
“I am still not very happy with my performance as I have not been able to get the rhythm. I need to work on my self-belief but will give my best against Zhou Mi (of Hong Kong),” said Mew Choo.
Zhou Mi beat Japan’s World Junior runner-up Matsutomo Misaki 21-14, 21-9 who was a bundle of nerves against the former World No 1.
The second semi-final will feature top seed Pi Hongyan of France against Hong Kong’s Yip Pui Yin.
But the day’s biggest upset came towards the end of the day’s play when Mak Hee Chun-Tan Wee Kiong beat top seeds and World No 1 Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong in straight games.
Mak-Tan’s 21-19, 21-19 win over Koo-Tan put the smile of coach Rexy Mainaky’s face.
“Despite their (Koo-Tan) their loss, they played quite well but more importantly, Mak-Tan proved that they can also be relied to deliver the goods on the international stage,” said Rexy.
“All this while the pressure has been on Koo-Tan to deliver the points or titles in the men’s doubles and as such, the loss is a blessing in disguise.”
Rexy also said Mak-Tan’s win will help them to gain a place in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games squads.
“If they can win the title here, it will virtually guarantee their place in the squad.”
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 10:39 AM.
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