Choong Hann and Pei Tty-Eei Hui bid farewell
Top News 3:05 PM
OLD hands Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui and Wong Choong Hann bade farewell to their last World Championships campaign after losing in the second round at the Wembley Arena on Wednesday.
But they still deserve a pat on their backs for their long services, strong determination and fighting spirit over the many years that they have served the country in the world meet.
Pei Tty-Eei Hui did not give up even when the chips were down against Japanese Miyuki Fujii-Reika Kakiiwa.
The Malaysians fought valiantly but lady luck deserted them at the crucial stage and they went on to lose 16-21, 24-22, 20-22 in 88 minutes – the longest match of the third day’s action.
The defeat ended their hopes of winning their first-ever medal since playing for the country at the 2003 world meet in Birmingham.
Their best results in the series were the quarter-final finishes in Anaheim (2005) and Hyderabad (2009).
Team manager Ng Chin Chai applauded Eei Hui-Pei Tty’s will to outdo themselves.
“We analysed their match and most of their rallies were stretched to 15 exchanges. They displayed remarkable fightbacks. Both were totally crushed after the defeat but we want to commend them for their good attitude on the court,” said Chin Chai.
“We hope more youngsters will show the same kind of determination and commitment on court.”
The self-funded Choong Hann went down 13-21, 18-21 to Thailand’s Boonsak Ponsana but not before staging mini-fightbacks during the match.
“I am just happy to be part of this world meet here at Wembley. I can now look back and be proud of what I have achieved in the world meet,” said Choong Hann, who has competed in every world meet since the 1997 edition in Glasgow.
Prior to the Wembley series, Choong Hann was Malaysia’s best performer when he became the first Malaysian to reach the final at the 2003 edition in Birmingham.
Said national coach Rashid Sidek: “He deserves a standing ovation. He may not be at his best at this year’s world meet but he has done us proud all these years.
“He will always be a true fighter to all of us.”
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 3:05 PM.
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