Close win: Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun beat Indonesia’s Shohibul Fikri-Daniel Marthin 25-27, 21-17, 23-21.
PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles shuttlers Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun made sure that it is not all doom and gloom for Malaysia despite the team’s early exit from the Asia Mixed Team Championships.
An understrength Malaysian team failed to progress to the last eight after losing to both Hong Kong and Indonesia 2-3 in Group B in Qingdao, China.
Wei Chong-Kai Wun’s performance was one of the bright spots for the team after the pair were the country’s only representatives to win both their matches.
The duo, who have been in superb form this year, fought brilliantly to narrowly come away with a 25-27, 21-17, 23-21 victory over Indonesia’s Shohibul Fikri-Daniel Marthin.
Malaysia had already lost the tie 1-3 but Wei Chong-Kai Wun were not demoralised and grabbed the win in 65 minutes to maintain their 100 per cent record in the tournament.
A day earlier, the world No. 12 pair swept aside Hong Kong’s Hung Kuei Chun-Lui Chun Wai 21-13, 21-11.
Wei Chong-Kai Wun, who were entrusted with the responsibility of taking on the role as the main men’s doubles pair for the country ahead of national No. 1 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, did not disappoint.
The duo have gained in confidence after capturing the Indonesian Masters and reaching the Malaysian Open semi-finals for the first time last month.
“Now we need to believe in each other and don’t give up easily. We are more confident now and that is our strong point,” said Kai Wun.
Meanwhile, Wei Chong called on his teammates to learn from the defeat and keep fighting in their next tournaments.
“We have already given our best and we hope to learn from this defeat. We need to go back and keep working hard,” said Wei Chong.
Meanwhile, Leong Jun Hao, who was rested against Hong Kong, also caught the eye in the men’s singles when he pulled off a great comeback from 17-20 in the second game to beat world No. 63 Yohanes Saut Marcellyno 11-21, 22-20, 21-12.
Jun Hao has always risen to the occasion in team events and continued to show that he can be depended on to deliver a point.
“The pressure was on me but I just focused on handling the situation well,” said Jun Hao.
“I gave everything I had. Although I was trailing 17-20, I was just thinking how to get points and close the gap.”
Jun Hao and Wei Chong-Kai Wun will next look to continue their good form in the prestigious All-England from March 11-16 in Birmingham.
