PETALING JAYA: Training mates Lee Zii Jia and Liew Daren set up a semi-final showdown in the Thailand Open after negotiating a tough quarter-final match.
Independent player Zii Jia fought back from 4-12 down in the third game to overcome Indonesia Shesar Hiren 21-10, 14-21, 21-16 in 56 minutes yesterday.
Daren had to battle all the way to down Zhao Junpeng of China 21-10, 19-21, 21-19 in 59 minutes to confirm his first semi-final spot this year.
Daren, who has joined Zii Jia’s professional set-up as a sparring partner, has been reaping the benefits of being also able to train under coach Indra Wijaya.
The result is a great boost for Daren after a disappointing Thomas Cup campaign.
“I am happy to be in the semi-finals for the first time this year.
“Zii Jia is in top form and it is going to be a tough match for me,” said Daren.
“Although we train together, it is not easy playing him. Let’s see how it goes.”
Women’s doubles Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah exacted revenge over their quarter-final defeat to Yuki Fukushima-Sayaka Hirota in the Asian Championships three weeks ago by toppling the Japanese pair 24-22, 21-12 in 43 minutes to reach the semi-finals.
It was world No. 10 Pearly-Thinaah’s first appearance in a semi-final this year and their biggest career win as Fukushima-Hirota are ranked No. 4.
They will meet another Japanese pair Nami Matsuyama-Chiharu Shida in the last four.
In men’s doubles, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik stormed into the last four after stunning Olympic champions Lee Yang-Wang Chi-lin of Taiwan 21-17, 21-10 in just 29 minutes.
Aaron-Wooi Yik will play Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto of Indonesia, who defeated Japan’s Keiichiro Matsui-Yoshinori Takeuchi 21-14, 19-21, 21-4, in the last four today.
However, it was the end of the road for Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani who lost to world champions Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi of 23-21, 21-15.
Sze Fei-Rumsani had beaten them in Malaysia’s 3-2 win over Japan in the Thomas Cup last week.
In mixed doubles, independent pair Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie crashed out in the quarter-finals after their 21-18, 21-17 defeat to Arisa Higashino-Yuki Fukushima of Japan.
National coaching doubles director Rexy Mainaky was happy with the performances of the doubles players.
“Aaron-Wooi Yik followed the game plan and played very well. They did not give the Taiwan pair the chance to attack,” said Rexy.
“Pearly-Thinaah played a very aggressive game and are positive.
“It is good for their confidence and can continue progressing well.”
RESULTS
Quarter-finals
Men’s singles: Lee Zii Jia bt Shesar Hiren (Ina) 21-10, 14-21, 21-16; Liew Daren bt Zhao Junpeng (Chn) 21-10, 19-21, 21-19.
Men’s doubles: Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik bt Lee YangWang Chi-lin (Tai) 21-17, 21-10; Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi (Jpn) bt Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin 23-21, 21-15.
Women’s doubles: Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah bt Yuki Fukushima-Sayaka Hirota (Jpn) 24-22, 21-12.
Mixed doubles: Yuta Watanabe-Arisa Higashino (Jpn) bt Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie 21-18, 21-17.
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