PETALING JAYA: Scoring an upset is impressive but going the distance would make it count even more.
National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen believes a tougher test awaits his charge Justin Hoh, who is set to compete in the Taiwan Open quarter-finals today.
The 21-year-old pulled off a surprise in the second round yesterday when he ousted defending champion and world No. 17 Lin Chun-yi of Taiwan 21-17, 21-18 in just 46 minutes.
It was his second straight win over a Taiwanese shuttler in this tournament, having beaten Su Li-yang 21-16, 21-13 in the first round on Tuesday.
However, taking down a third home favourite in a row will be a far bigger challenge, as Justin faces world No. 26 Wang Tzu-wei in the last eight today, a player known for his relentless attacking style.
“It was a really good and significant win against his first top-20 opponent. He showed strong focus, discipline, and the ability to make key adjustments throughout the match,” said Jonassen when contacted.
“The quarter-final will present a different challenge, as his next opponent plays a much more aggressive style. It’s another great opportunity for him to test himself.
Malaysia missed the chance to have another men’s singles player in the quarter-finals after Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin fell to top seed and four-time champion Chou Tien-chen of Taiwan in the second round yesterday.
Aidil was unable to match the intensity of the Taiwanese ace and went down 14-21, 16-21 in a 37-minute encounter.
However, there was some cheer for the national camp as women’s singles shuttler K. Letshanaa battled her way into the last eight with a hard-fought victory over fifth seed Chiu Pin-chian.
In a thrilling match that lasted 71 minutes, the 20-year-old Letshanaa held her nerve to clinch a 21-19, 17-21, 26-24 win.
“It was a really intense match and mentally and emotionally challenging. I’m happy to pull a upset and will keep moving forward step by step,” said Letshanaa.
Next, she will face defending champion Sim Yu-jin of South Korea, who recently helped her country finish as runners-up at the Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, China last week.
