China’s future stars Wang Zhengming and Du Pengyu showed great resilience en route to clearing the first round on Monday.
And with their steely determination and superb control of the game, the duo re-affirmed concerns that they are set to be dangerous stumbling blocks to top seed Lee Chong Wei.
Pengyu laboured to fend off a strong assault from South Korean Shon Wan-ho for a 21-17, 16-21, 21-13 win while Zhengming also took some time to warm-up before romping home for a 21-17, 21-14 win over Belgium’s Tan Wuhan.
Du Pengyu was made to work before beating South Korea's Shon Wan-ho in the first round. - IZZRAFIQ ALIAS / The Star
If all go according to form book, Zhengming may take on Chong Wei in the third round while Pengyu may be his semi-final opponent.
National singles coach Rashid Sidek is anticipating a gruelling challenge from China’s second echelon of players.
“They are surely coming up as more stable players and they can be a threat to Chong Wei,” said Rashid.
“They move fast on court and their attacks are ruthless. Their defensive game has also improved. And they have an advantage as they relish playing the slow shuttlecocks used in this tournament.
“Chong Wei has to keep up with the fast pace. He cannot afford to slow down the game and varying his attacking game is the key. So far, we are happy with the way Chong Wei is handling himself here,” he added.
If all go according to form book, Zhengming may take on Chong Wei in the third round while Pengyu may be his semi-final opponent.
National singles coach Rashid Sidek is anticipating a gruelling challenge from China’s second echelon of players.
“They are surely coming up as more stable players and they can be a threat to Chong Wei,” said Rashid.
“They move fast on court and their attacks are ruthless. Their defensive game has also improved. And they have an advantage as they relish playing the slow shuttlecocks used in this tournament.
“Chong Wei has to keep up with the fast pace. He cannot afford to slow down the game and varying his attacking game is the key. So far, we are happy with the way Chong Wei is handling himself here,” he added.
Already a subscriber? Log in.
Limited time offer:
Just RM5 per month.
Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
