No Surprises as Big Guns Progress
January 16, 2018
First Round Exit for Chong Wei
January 17, 2018
KUALA LUMPUR (17 January, 2018): The Malaysian women’s doubles’ contingent flashed promising signs in the Perodua Malaysia Masters 2018 (PMM2018) presented by Daihatsu Round 1 matches earlier today at the Axiata Arena, Kuala Lumpur Sports City.
Tee Jing Yi and Soong Fie Cho were the first pair to progress into Round 2 of the PMM2018 after breezing past Liu Xuanxuan and Zhou Chaomin of China in straight sets (21-16, 21-18).
Lim Yin Loo and Yap Cheng Wen followed suit as they defeated Thailand’s S. Paewsampran and K. Sudjaipraparat also in straight sets (21-17, 21-17) to seal a place in the last 16.
“We had to take our chances early against our less experienced opponents especially with home advantage. Tomorrow we will face tougher opponents and vow to give our best for the fans” said Jing Yee.
Meanwhile, national women’s singles, Lee Ying Ying got a much needed confidence boost as she cruised into PMM2018 Round 2 after beating her Russian opponent, Evgeniya Kosetskaya 21-17, 23-21.
“I am delighted because to progress into the second round of a big tournament like the Malaysia Masters is a big honour for me. I felt like I played better today compared to the qualifying match yesterday as I am more confident and relaxed,” said Ying Ying.
Earlier, national men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia put on a convincing display to defeat Denmark’s Emil Holst 21-12, 21-18 to secure a spot in the PMM2018 Round 2. He will next take on KL SEA Games 2017 winner, Jonatan Christie who shocked sixth seed Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei in their Round 1 match.
“I am happy with my win and it is safe to say that I played quite well today. Playing in this venue reminded me of my SEA Games nightmare and I was hoping to erase that memory. My coach instructed me to not overthink things and just go out there and do my best,” said Zii Jia.
“I will be playing Jonatan Christie next who is the recent SEA Games winner. But the pressure won’t be on me so I hope to just perform like how I did today,” added the 19-year old.
Fellow Malaysian, Liew Daren pulled off an upset win over fourth seed and Korean international, Son Wan Ho in straight sets (21-15, 21-13).
But the PMM2018 journey ended for national men’s doubles backup pairs, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Chooi Kah Ming-Low Juan Shen. Chooi and Low lost to World No. 4 men’s doubles pair of Liu Cheng and Zhang Nan 14-21, 16-21 while Aaron and Soh fell to a 12-21, 11-21 defeat at the hands of defending champions, Berry Angriawan and Hardianto Hardianto.
Several big names suffered shock defeats today, most notably Chen Long’s loss to Indonesia’s Anthony Sinisuka Ginting in straight sets (17-21, 15-21) while Aya Ohori defeated World No. 6, Sung Ji Hyun 21-15, 21-13 in the women’s singles category.
Perodua Malaysia Masters 2018 Round 1 Results (17 January 2018)
*results involving Malaysian players only
Men’s Singles:
Lee Zii Jia (MAS) bt Emil Holst (Den) 21-12 21-18
Liew Daren (MAS) bt Son Wan Ho (KOR) 21-15 21-13
Men’s Doubles:
Chooi Kah Ming-Low Juan Shen (MAS) lost to Liu Cheng-Zhang Nan (CHN) 14-21 16-21
Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (MAS) lost to Berry Angriawan-Hardianto Haridanto (INA) 12-21 11-21
Women’s Singles:
Lee Ying Ying (MAS) bt Evgeniya Kosetskaya (RUS) 21-17 23-21
Women’s Doubles:
Tee Jing Yi-Soong Fie Cho (MAS) bt Liu Xuanxuan-Zhou Chaomin (CHN) 21-16 21-18
Lim Yin Loo-Yap Cheng Wen (MAS) bt S. Paewsampran-K. Sudjaipraparat (THA) 21-17 21-17
