KUALA LUMPUR (29 JUNE 2018): Datuk Lee Chong Wei continued his quest for a 12th Malaysia Open title with a dominant win over World No.1, Victor Axelsen of Denmark during the Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open 2018 quarterfinals at Axiata Arena today.
In front of the home crowd, Chong Wei showcased his trademark swag and why he is still considered one of the best in the world even at his prime by condemning the top seed to a 21-17 21-9 loss in 46 minutes.
“At this time in my career, I just want to enjoy every match as long as the fire and hunger is there. I am also targeting to compete in the next Olympics and will try to challenge for at least one or two more Malaysia Open titles.” he said after the match.
“I will now try to get some rest before tomorrow’s semis and will give my best to go all the way,” added the 35 year old who will face Indonesia’s Tommy Sugiarto next.
Earlier today, national women’s singles player, Goh Jin Wei played her heart out but still could not conjure an upset over World No.1 Tai Tzu Ying from Taiwan.
Malaysia’s wonder kid had a perfect start to the match, going 5-0 up early in the first game but then could not withstand Tzu Ying’s consistent power threat and killer shots, eventually bowing out 15-21 15-21 to the top seed.
“Clearly she is a class above and there is a difference between both our games. Her superior speed, control and shot power are evident but I believe I can reach that level one day”, Jin Wei said after the match.
When asked if she could be the best in the future, the world No.32 said “I have to put in the hard work and improve step by step especially on my speed and everything else which my game lacks if I want to challenge these top players.”
In the men’s doubles category, national pair Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong could not find a way past Japan’s Takeshi Kamura-Keigo Sonoda, succumbing to a disappointing 9-21 17- 21 defeat.
The CAMO2018 semi-finals action will be played from 12 pm onwards tomorrow at Axiata Arena, KL Sports City, Bukit Jalil.
Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open 2018 Quarterfinals Results (29 June 2018)
*results involving Malaysian players only
Men’s Singles:
Lee Chong Wei (MAS) bt Viktor Axelsen (DEN) 21-17 21-9
Men’s Doubles:
Takeshi Kamura (JPN)/Keigo Sonoda (JPN) bt Goh V Shem (MAS)/Tan Wee Kiong (MAS) 21-9 21-17
LI Junhui (CHN)/LIU Yuchen (CHN) bt Tan Boon Heong (MAS)*/YOO Yeon Seong (KOR) 19-21 21-17 21-19
Women’s Singles:
Tai Tzu Ying (TPE) bt Goh Jin Wei (MAS) 21-15 21-15
*Independent player
