Former Malaysian Men's Singles Shuttler Liew Daren Advances Into Korea Open Second Round

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 (Bernama) – Former Malaysian men's singles shuttler, Liew Daren kicked off his campaign with a winning start by advancing to the second round of the 2018 Korea Open Badminton Tournament in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday. The 2018 World Championships semi-finalist, however, was pushed to the limit before edging China’s young shuttler, Zhou Zeqi, 15-21, 21-10 and 21-17 in the opening round match held at SK Handball Stadium, according to Badminton World Federation (BWF) website, www.bwfworldtour.bwfbadminton.com. Another ex-national player, Chong Wei Feng, however, crashed out from the US$600,000 (RM2.480 million) tournament after losing 16-21 and 17-21 to the second seed, Kento Momota of Japan. Two national men’s doubles pairs — Aaron Chia Teng Fong-Soh Wooi Yik and Chooi Kah Ming-Low Juan Shen also progressed to the next round after defeating their respective opponents. Chia-Soh received stiff competition from Bodin Isara-Maneepong Jongjit of Thailand before securing a hard-fought 24-22 and 26-24 win, while Chooi-Low demolished Chang Ko Chi-Lu Chia Pin of Taiwan, 21-17 and 21-16. Malaysian professional pair, Mohamad Arif Abdul Latif-Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub, on the other hand, put up a spirited fight against He Jiting-Tan Qiang of China before losing 20-22, 21-18 and 13-21 in another first round match. Earlier, Mohamad Arif who teamed up with Indonesian woman player, Rusydina Antardayu Riodingin was beaten by Kim Young Hyuk-Seong Ah Yeong of South Korea, 19-21 and 18-21 in the first round match in the mixed doubles. Two national women’s doubles pairs — Vivian Hoo Kah Mun-Yap Cheng Wen and Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yean also booked their spots in the second round in different situation. Hoo-Yap defeated Emily Kan-Isabel Zhong of the United States, 21-14 and 21-12, whereas Chow-Lee received an easy passage to the next round after their opponents and fifth seeds Lee So Hee-Shin Seung Chan of South Korea decided to withdraw from the match after one of them sustained an injury while trailing 1-5 in the first set. Malaysia did not send any representatives in the women’s singles in the BWF World Tour Super 500 Tournament. -- BERNAMA