But national shuttlers looking to do nation proud on home soil

KUALA LUMPUR (31 March 2019): Yet again local fans will be treated to some explosive and superb badminton when the world’s elite players take to the courts for this year’s Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open 2019 on April 2-7, 2019 at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil.

With the presence of ‘cream of the crop’ players like Japan’s Kento Momota, Shi Yuqi of China, Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei, Japanese hope Nozomi Okuhara, Indonesia’s Marcus Fernaldi Gideon-Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, Japanese doubles Takeshi Kamura-Keigo Sonoda and Yuki Fukushima-Sayaka Hirota, Zheng Siwei-Huang Yaqiong (China) and many other top players, fans can expect some keenly contested matches throughout this edition of the Malaysia Open which is also a BWF World Tour Super 750 status tournament.

Althoughthe much anticipated return of national star Datuk Lee Chong Wei failed to materialise due to medical reasons, the nation wishes him a speedy recovery and at the same time are looking forward to seeing the rest of the local contingent carry Malaysia’s hopes against some top notch opponents.

Based on current form, the spotlight will surely fall on national men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik to carry on from their impressive performances at the recent All England Championship in Birmingham where they finished runners-up.

Besides Aaron-Wooi Yik, national mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Jemie Lai who are having a strong start to the year, proved they are ready for the Malaysia Open after finishing in the top four at the All England. Goh and Shevon are making waves and have been tipped as potential Olympic 2020 medallists.

A number of young players are also ready to step up to the plate and steal the limelight and these include Lee Zii Jia and Goh Jin Wei. In the recent Malaysia Masters, Jin Wei made a name for herself with her ‘giant killing’ feats in front of the home crowd. She beat some big names like Japan’s World No 4 Akane Yamaguchi and World No 7 He Bingjiao of China.

Jin Wei, commenting on her target for the Malaysia Open, the national women’s singles player said: “I am not really setting a goal but nevertheless will give my best in every match.”

She added: “I am drawn to face Nitchaon Jindapol (Thailand) in the first round which I am expecting to be a close affair since we have not played each other for some time. My performance during the Malaysia Masters where I managed to beat a few high ranked opponents cannot be used as a benchmark any longer. However, I am hoping to cause a few more upsets although the Malaysia Open will be a tougher competition since it is a BWF World Tour Super 750 status tournament.”

Other national players who will be looking to cause a few upsets are Soniia Cheah, Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yean, Vivian Hoo-Yap Cheng Wen, Chen Tang Jie-Peck Yen Wei and Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing.

A host of professionals will also be carrying Malaysia’s hopes in this year’s Malaysia Open with the likes of Liew Daren, Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong, Arif Latif-Azriyn Ayub, and Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying all gunning for glory.
The Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open 2019, in partnership with Naza Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd as the official car partner, is slated for April 2-7, 2019 at the Axiata Arena, Kuala Lumpur Sports City (KLSC) and offers a total prize money of US$700,000 for the winners of the respective categories.

Tickets are already on sale with prices varying based on the five different seating categories – upper, lower, premium, VIP and Superfan which offers passionate badminton fans the unique opportunity of experiencing all the action up close in addition to receiving access to exclusive hospitality at Axiata Arena, an official souvenir programme and a poster autographed by our national players.

Ticketing details are available at http://www.myticket.asia/ and ticket hotline (+603-86050195). Ticket can also be purchased at the venue throughout the competition.