KUCHING: Sarawak’s Wong Ling Ching continued to make waves at the 33rd SEA Games, producing another composed display to reach the quarterfinals of the women’s singles individual event at Pathum Thani, Bangkok, today.
The Kuching-born shuttler, who is also known as Astrid, overcame Singapore’s Insyirah Khan 21-16, 21-15, dictating tempo and showing impressive maturity under pressure.
Ling Ching’s steady rise has become one of Malaysia’s standout stories in Bangkok, with her poise proving crucial as she carried Sarawak’s flag proudly into the last eight.
Malaysia enjoyed further success in the women’s singles when K. Letshanaa battled past Singapore’s Yue Yann Jaslyn Hooi 21-17, 22-20 in a tight encounter, sealing the win in extra points.
In the men’s singles, national No. 1 Justin Hoh delivered one of the biggest results of the day by defeating Singapore’s world No. 21 Jason Teh 22-20, 21-15 in a 50-minute showdown. The world No. 38 levelled their head-to-head at 1–1 and secured a crucial spot in the quarterfinals.
Fourth seed Leong Jun Hao also advanced after a controlled 21-15, 21-15 win over Laos’ Vixunnalath Phichith, wrapping up proceedings in 32 minutes.
With four Malaysian shuttlers now through to the quarterfinals, momentum is firmly on Malaysia’s side as Ling Ching leads the charge tomorrow (Dec 12).
