KUCHING: Malaysia’s mixed doubles pairs stole the spotlight at the Taipei Open today, delivering commanding performances to secure spots in the quarters, while their compatriots in singles added to a day of encouraging results for the national squad.
Loo Bing Kun and Toh Ee Wei produced one of the most thrilling matches of the day, overcoming South Korea’s Ki Dong-ju and Jeong Na-eun in a dramatic three-game encounter.
After dropping the first set 15-21, the Malaysians regrouped to take the second 23-21 and then crushed their opponents 21-8 in the deciding game.
Joining them in the winners’ circle were Chen Tang Jie and Chan Wen Tse, who overcame a tough challenge from Indonesia’s Marwan Faza and Aisyah Pranata.
Despite a shaky start that saw them lose the opening game 18-21, the pair held their nerve to take the next two games 21-18 and 21-17.
Malaysia’s momentum continued in the men’s singles category as Justin Hoh delivered a stunning upset over defending champion Lin Chun Yi of Taiwan.
The young Malaysian showcased maturity beyond his years to claim a straight-games victory: 21-17, 21-18.
Unfortunately, men’s singles shuttler Aidil Sholeh faced a decisive loss 14-21, 16-20 against Taiwanese star Chou Tien Chen in the Round of 16 match-up.
In the women’s singles draw, Letshanaa Karupathevan emerged victorious in a dramatic three-game thriller against Taiwan’s Pin-Chian Chiu.
She took the opening game 21-19, lost the second 17-21, and held her nerve in an intense decider to close it out 26-24.
