KUALA LUMPUR: It’s a day when new pairs stole the show in the Malaysian Open while others looked on with much envy.
In the mixed doubles event, Dechapol Puavaranukroh and his new partner, Supissara Paewsampran, denied top seeds and world No. 1 Chinese Feng Yanzhe-Huang Dongping of their championship dream.
The Thai duo showcased great determination to claim the title, winning 21-13, 19-21, 21-18 in a pulsating 60-minute final at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
Dechapol’s last victory at this tournament came in 2022 when he triumphed alongside Sapsiree Taerattanachai.
“I am very happy that we can do it this time. We tried our best to win this title,” said a delighted Dechapol.
The men’s doubles showdown between China’s Chen Boyang-Liu Yi and South Korea’s Kim Won-ho-Seo Seung-jae, who are playing in their first tournament together, was equally a thriller.
Both pairs gave their all, but luck favoured Won-ho-Seung-jae, who triumphed with a 19-21, 21-12, 21-12 victory after an intense 63-minute battle.
They Koreans walked away with a winner’s prize of US$107,300 (RM482,850).
In the battle of another two new pairs for this season in the women’s doubles, Japan’s Yuki Fukushima-Mayu Matsumoto defeated Jia Yifan-Zhang Shuxian of China 17-21, 21-15, 21-15 to make it a great outing for all those starting with new partners.
Meanwhile, none of the Malaysians went beyond the semi-finals at home.
RESULTS
FINAL
Men’s singles: Shi Yuqi (Chn) bt Anders Antonsen (Den) 21-8, 21-15.
Men’s doubles: Kim Won-ho-Seo Seung-jae (Kor) bt Chen Boyang-Liu Yi (Chn) 19-21, 21-12, 21-12.
Women’s singles: An Se-young (Kor) bt Wang Zhiyi (Chn) 21-17, 21-7.
Women’s doubles: Yuki Fukushima-Mayu Matsumoto bt Jia Yifan-Zhang Shuxian (Chn) 17-21, 21-15, 21-15.
Mixed doubles: Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Supissara Paewsampran (Tha) bt Feng Yanzhe-Huang Dongping (Chn) 21-13, 19-21, 21-18.
SEMI-FINALS
Men’s singles: Anders Antonsen (Den) bt Kodai Naraoka (Jpn) 21-14, 21-14.
Men’s doubles: Chen Boyang-Liu Yi (Chn) bt Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun (Mas) 24-26, 21-16, 21-15.
