PETALING JAYA: Independent shuttler Cheam June Wei turned the tables on compatriot and national No. 2 Ng Tze Yong to storm into the semi-finals of the Indonesian Masters.
June Wei, currently world No. 65, played with determination and perseverance to upset top-seeded Tze Yong 16-21, 21-13, 21-19 in the quarter-final at the Gor Platinum in Malang yesterday.
“They both played well, it was all down to the last few points in the final game where June Wei had the upper hand to win the match,” said his coach Nova Widianto.
June Wei will play Taiwan’s Lee Chia Hao in the semi-final.
And the Malaysian has a good chance of reaching the final as he had beaten the world No. 82nd ranked opponent in the last-eight of last month’s Vietnam Open.
“June Wei was victorious the last time they met. If he performs well, he will beat him again,” added Nova.
It was a good day for Leong Jun Hao as well after he reached the semi-finals after beating Cho Geonyeop (No. 496) of South Korea 12-21, 21-15, 21-7.
The Malaysian will be making his first semi-final appearance in an international tournament against another South Korean Son Wan-ho.
Jun Hao lost to Wan Ho (No. 121) in straight games at the recent Malang Indonesia Challenge.
“I can have a good rest tonight and I will prepare for my toughest match yet against Wan-ho,” said Jun Hao.
S. Kisona’s campaign come to an end after losing to China’s qualifier Gao Fangjie 4-21, 10-21 in the women’s singles.
Men’s doubles pair Mohd Haikal Nazri-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi also went out after losing to Indonesia’s Rahmat Hidayat-Pramudya Kusumawardana 13-21, 14-21.
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