Malaysia’s campaign at the HSBC BWF World Tour Super 500 Kumamoto Masters Japan continued strongly as several national players advanced to the Round of 16, displaying impressive form and resilience on the court.
The pair Jimmy Wong and Lai Pei Jing produced a commanding performance, defeating Taiwan’s Lu Ming Che / Hung En-Tzu 21-19, 21-15 to secure their spot in the next round. However, Malaysia’s top-seeded mixed doubles duo Goh Soon Huat and Lai Shevon Jemie [4] were handed an early exit, falling to Japan’s Yuichi Shimogami / Sayaka Hobara in straight games, 17-21, 13-21.
Meanwhile, Hoo Pang Ron and Cheng Su Yin held their nerve in a thrilling three-game battle against Wu Hsuan-Yi / Yang Chu Yun of Chinese Taipei, clinching victory 21-18, 18-21, 21-19 to keep Malaysia’s hopes alive in the category.
Rising star Letshanaa Karupathevan continued her fine form with a dominant 25-23, 21-8 win over Azerbaijan’s Keisha Fatimah Azzahra, while Wong Ling Ching overcame Japan’s Nanaho Kondo 21-16, 21-11 in another impressive showing for the women’s singles contingent.
In men’s singles, Kok Jing Hong shone brightly by dispatching India’s Kiran George in straight games, 22-20, 21-10. However, teammate Leong Jun Hao narrowly missed out after a gripping contest against India’s veteran Prannoy H. S., losing 21-16, 13-21, 21-23 despite a spirited performance.
Malaysia’s Justin Hoh faced a tough challenge against Japan’s Shogo Ogawa, going down 14-21, 9-21.
Top seeds Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah [1] overcame early resistance to defeat Japan’s Mikoto Aiso / Momoha Niimi 18-21, 21-9, 21-17, ensuring Malaysia’s representation remains strong in women’s doubles.
In men’s doubles action, Goh V Shem / Choi Sol Gyu fought valiantly but fell short against Japan’s Haruki Kawabe / Kenta Matsukawa 18-21, 19-21, marking an early end to their run.
Credit Photo : ASTRO ARENA
