It’s still not easy for Tien-chen despite absence of top rivals

Taiwan's Chou Tien Chen makes a return against India's Sameer Verma during the Malaysian Masters 2022 at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, July 6, 2022. - GLENN GUAN/The Star

THE Malaysian Masters might be missing some big names like Denmark ace Viktor Axelsen and home favourite Lee Zii Jia but it has not made it any easier for Taiwan’s Chou Tien-chen.

The world No. 4 struggled in his match against India’s Sameer Verma (No. 29) in the first round and needed three games to overcome his rival yesterday.