KUCHING: Mixed doubles pair Jimmy Wong–Cheng Su Yin are through to the biggest semi-final of their careers after defeating Denmark’s world No. 3 pair Mathias Christiansen–Alexandra Bøje 21-17, 21-17 in straight sets at the Japan Open in under 40 minutes today (July 17).
The world No. 118 Malaysian pair continued their giant-killing run at the BWF World Tour Super 750 tournament in Tokyo, just a day after stunning tournament sixth seeds Thom Gicquel–Delphine Delrue of France in the previous round.
Jimmy–Su Yin were made to work throughout the quarter-final clash as both pairs traded quick exchanges at the net and clever cross-court placements in a contest that saw momentum swing repeatedly between the two sides.
Having taken the opening game 21-17, Jimmy–Su Yin looked poised to close out the contest after opening up an 11-7 advantage at the mid-game interval of the second set. A costly service error and a string of unforced errors, however, allowed the Danes to narrow the deficit and apply late pressure.
The Malaysians never relinquished their lead, responding when it mattered most to pull away in the closing exchanges and seal a 21-17, 21-17 victory in straight games.
Having already claimed two top-10 scalps this week, the Malaysians will now face Hong Kong’s world No. 8 pair Tang Chun Man–Tse Ying Suet for a place in Sunday’s final as their dream run in Tokyo continues.
