Hard-fought victory: Chia Weijie (left) and Liew Xun beat Japan’s Shogo Ogawa-Daisuke Sano 21-18, 16-21, 21-14 in the semi-final.
PETALING JAYA: Chia Weijie-Liew Xun are just one step away from capturing their first title together after storming into the final of the Mongolia International Challenge.
The national men’s doubles pair, who were only combined last December, fought hard to overcome Japan’s Shogo Ogawa-Daisuke Sano 21-18, 16-21, 21-14 at the National Sport Complex in Ulaanbaatar yesterday to reach their maiden final together.
World No. 99 WeiJie-Liew Xun’s best achievement in an individual competition prior to their breakthrough yesterday was finishing as semi-finalists in the Estonia International Challenge in January.
Liew Xun was delighted to make it into his first final with Weijie.
“We are happy to reach the final this time,” said Liew Xun.
“We will give everything to win tomorrow (today).”
Standing in their way is none other than Weijie’s former partner Low Hang Yee and Ng Eng Cheong, who are currently on a great run of form.
Hang Yee, who had left the national team last December to turn independent, combined superbly with Eng Cheong to stun top seeds Pharanyu Kaosamaang-Worrapol Thongsanga of Thailand 21-19, 21-16 in the other last-four match.
The pair have now reached their fifth consecutive final.
Hang Yee-Eng Cheong had captured the Slovenian and Austrian Opens, and finished runners-up in the International Challenges in Maldives and China.The duo moved up from No. 87 to No. 70 in the latest world rankings and will be out to win their third title today.
On facing Weijie in the final, Hang Yee said: “Weijie and I know each other’s tactics well. Eng Cheong and I need to prepare very well for the match.”
Meanwhile, in the women’s singles, Wong Ling Ching’s gallant run came to an end after she went down fighting 21-11, 18-21, 8-21 to top seed Lauren Lam of the United States.
Ling Ching, who is currently ranked No. 112 in the world, can still walk tall after reaching her first semi-final since the Estonia International Challenge.
The 20-year-old did well to topple Thailand’s world No. 63 Pornpicha Choeikeewong 29-27, 17-21, 21-15 in the last eight a day ago.
