PETALING JAYA: Mohd Haikal Nazri-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani are just one step away from capturing their maiden World Tour title after storming into the men’s doubles final of the China Masters.
The newly formed pair fought tooth and nail to stun second seeds Pharanyu Kaosamaang-Worrapol Thongsanga of Thailand 21-15, 20-22, 21-15 in a thrilling semi-final match in Ruichang yesterday.
In today’s final, they will face home pair Chen Boyang-Liu Yi, who defeated another Malaysian pair Beh Chun Meng-Goh Boon Sze 21-12, 21-14.
Haikal-Izzuddin had only been permanently paired together last month after both had split with Wan Arif Junaidi and Goh Sze Fei respectively.
They had won their first title at the lower-tier Malaysian International Challenge last December when they had participated as a scratch pair.
Men’s doubles coach Tan Bin Shen was pleased with Haikal and Izzuddin’s performances so far in the tournament.
“This is Izzuddin and Haikal’s second tournament together and so far their understanding on court is good,” said Bin Shen.
“They need to prepare well for the final against the Chinese pair, who like to play a fast game. They need to stay focused and give everything on court.”
Meanwhile, in the men’s singles, Justin Hoh’s fine run came to an end when he went down 12-21, 17-21 to homester Sun Feixiang.
SEMI-FINAL RESULTS
Men’s singles: Sun Feixiang (Chn) bt Justin Hoh (Mas) 21-12, 21-17; Sun Chao (Chn) bt Liao Jhuo-fu (Tpe) 21-11, 24-26, 21-16.
Men’s doubles: Mohd Haikal Nazri-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (Mas) bt Pharanyu Kaosamaang-Worrapol Thongsanga (Tha) 21-15, 20-22, 21-15; Chen Boyang-Liu Yi (Chn) bt Beh Chun Meng-Goh Boon Sze (Mas) 21-12, 21-14.
Women’s singles: Chen Lu (Chn) bt Gao Fangjie (Chn) 21-18, 21-9; Lin Hsiang-ti (Tpe) bt Dai Wang (Chn) 21-23, 21-19, 21-12.
Women’s doubles: Chen Xiaofei-Feng Xueying (Chn) bt Hsieh Pei-shan-Tseng Yu-chi (Tpe) 21-19, 21-12; Keng Shuliang-Zhang Chi (Chn) bt Bao Lijing-Guo Yuxin (Chn) 21-13, 21-15.
Mixed doubles: Jiang Zhenbang-Wei Yaxin (Chn) bt Zhang Hanyu-Yang Jiayi (Chn) 21-8, 21-17; Cheng Xing-Chen Fang Hui (Chn) bt Mao Zhe-Liu Yuanyuan (Chn) 21-16, 21-14.
