KUCHING: It took patience, resilience and nerves of steel for Malaysia’s men’s doubles duo, Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun, to book their place in the Round of 16 at the BWF World Championships, edging France’s Christo and Toma Junior Popov 21-15, 13-21, 21-19 in a gruelling clash at the Adidas Arena today.
The match turned into a test of endurance as both pairs traded blows, especially in the deciding game where every rally demanded composure.
The Malaysians, once trailing 11-16, dug deep to claw their way back, shifting the momentum after a spectacular exchange of power that cracked the Popovs’ rhythm.
Earlier, Man and Tee had stamped their authority in the opening game with sharp attacking play, only for the French brothers to wrest control in the second by tightening their defence and riding the energy of the home crowd.
But in the rubber, it was the Malaysians who showed greater grit, stringing together decisive points under pressure to silence the arena and seal one of the day’s most hard-fought victories.
The result sets up a Round of 16 showdown against England’s Ben Lane and Sean Vendy, a challenge that will further test the Malaysian pair’s growing stature as world-class contenders.
