Underdogs Hafiz, Choong Hann slay Chinese, Chong Wei falls

Posted by Lucas Liau Lee Chong Wei, News 4:43 PM

Dejection: Coach Misbun Sidek trying to console Lee Chong Wei

who lost to Thailand’s Boonsak Ponsana Thursday. – By UU BAN/The Star

MOHD Hafiz Hashim and Wong Choong Hann pulled off stunning upset wins to march into the men’s singles quarter-finals of the Asian Badminton Championships (ABC) at Stadium Bandaraya yesterday.

But the country’s best bet for the title Lee Chong Wei crashed out 16-21, 21-10, 15-21 to Thailand’s Boonsak Ponsana.

With his poor physical condition of late, the 26-year-old Hafiz entered the court as the underdog but he turned on the power to beat world No. 3 Bao Chunlai of China 21-23, 21-15, 21-15 in a 57-minute third round match yesterday.

Hafiz, in full flow with his attacking game, tore apart Chunlai to set up a clash against World Championships runner-up Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia in the quarter-finals.

Boosted by the win, Hafiz said his morale was high ahead of the Thomas Cup Finals, which will be held in Jakarta from May 11-18.

“This is really, really satisfying. I wanted to prove that my preparation is in order for the Thomas Cup Finals and that is why I went all out against Bao,” said Hafiz, who immediately called his wife Nadzatul Shima to tell her about his conquest.

“My confidence was dented when he (Bao) came from behind to win the first game. But I just threw whatever I had at him. Today (yesterday), my smashes and net play worked to my advantage.”

Choong Hann was also all smiles after scalping Chen Yu of China 21-19, 21-9 in sensational fashion to set up a meeting with another Chinese – Chen Jin – in the quarter-finals.

“I was almost in total control of the second game against Chen Yu. The match even went slightly out of my expectation. But I am happy with this result and my game,” said the 31-year-old Choong Hann.

“After winning like this, I think I am ready to take on Chen Jin. His Olympic Games berth may be at stake in this tournament, but for me I need this win to lift my own game.”

While Hafiz and Choong Hann could not wipe out the grin on their faces, there were only tears for Chong Wei after he lost to Boonsak for the first time.

Chong Wei, however, said he would not let the defeat dampen his spirit ahead of the Thomas Cup Finals.

“I blame myself for the defeat. I made so many simple mistakes. But I am not too worried,” said Chong Wei.

“I took part in this tournament without setting any targets. It is just part of my training. Credit to Boonsak for playing well.”

In the other two quarter-finals today, Boonsak will take on Park Sung-hwan, who blew away Tan Chun Seang 21-11, 21-11 while top seed Lin Dan of China will square off with Lee Hyun-il of South Korea.