KUALA LUMPUR – Independent men’s doubles pair Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi had the fans blowing the roof off Axiata Arena after delivering a thrilling win over their opponents at the Malaysia Open today.
Facing the challenge of the tournament’s fourth seeds Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen of Denmark, the unseeded Malaysians triumphed in three sets in front of a boisterous local crowd, 21-10, 11-21, 24-22.
The third set was especially thrilling, with the world number 12 Malaysians holding a 20-18 lead, but they gave away two for the score to be levelled at 20-20.
Ultimately, it was Yew Sin-Ee Yi who clinched the decisive points, securing the rubber set and the overall victory.
“In the first set, we controlled the game quite well. In the second and third sets, the Danes rallied and controlled the frontcourt.
“We struggled to control the shuttle in the third game when the wind was behind us, as it kept landing out.
“We changed our game, and that brought us the victory,” said Yew Sin.
Ee Yi added that the crowd played their part in lifting their spirits during the match.
“Their support energised us. Even when we were behind, they didn’t give up on us. That led us to fight even harder for them,” he said.
Despite facing challenges, including Ee Yi’s knee injury affecting their rankings, Yew Sin emphasised their determination for Olympic qualification.
“No matter what the outcome, we will stay and fight. We will not give up on the Paris Olympics as long as the qualifying period has not ended.” – January 11, 2024