KUALA LUMPUR – Despite it being the first day of the Malaysia Masters, the national squad already guaranteed representation in the quarter-finals of the men’s doubles category.
This achievement comes as the 2023 finalists, Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun, prepare to face their compatriots, Haikal Nazri and Choong Hon Jian, in the second round on Thursday.
Haikal-Hon Jian continued their momentum by defeating experienced pair Tan Wee Kiong-Nur Azriyn Ayub with a score of 22-20, 21-19 in the first round, positioning themselves for a shot at the quarter-finals.
Haikal openly shared his desire for the quarter-final slot, anticipating a potential matchup with the Chinese pair He Ji Ting-Ren Xiang Yu.
He expressed that he is seeking redemption following Malaysia’s loss in the Thomas Cup semi-finals earlier this month, where Ji Ting-Xiang Yu’s victory over Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzudin Rumsani propelled China to the final and ultimately clinching the title.
“I’ve informed my partner Hon Jian that we might face Ji Ting and Xiang Yu, and I really want to compete against them to avenge Malaysia’s loss in the Thomas Cup.
“If given the chance, I will certainly give my best performance. Personally, I enjoy challenging stronger opponents because we feel less pressure. When we are in that situation, we enjoy ourselves more.
“Just like when we won our first championship at the Syed Modi International by defeating Akira Koga and Taichi Sato, we are more excited to face stronger opponents,” said Haikal.
Wei Chong-Kai Wun, the 2023 finalists, also have their own mission in this tournament – to prove they are one of the most formidable men’s doubles pairs in the country.
They advanced to the second round after defeating the Chinese Taipei pair, Chiang Chien Wei-Wu Hsuan Yi, with a score of 22-20, 21-12.
“For me, as a Malaysian, it’s good that regardless of the outcome of that match, there will be Malaysian players competing in the quarter-finals – but we will also give our best.
“Our strength lies in counter-defending because we know that in terms of speed, we are not like other Malaysian pairs and our approach to the game is slightly different from theirs,” said Kai Wun.
Another Malaysian pair, Wan Arif Junaidi-Yap Roy King, also advanced to the second round today.
They defeated the Chinese pair Xie Hao Nan-Zeng Wei Han with a score of 21-16, 21-12 after a 38-minute battle.
In another all-Malaysian clash, the fifth-seeded pair of Nur Izzudin Rumsani-Goh Sze Fei successfully overcame the challenge from Low Hang Yee-Ng Eng Cheong with a score of 21-11, 21-19 in 33 minutes. – May 21, 2024