National women’s doubles shuttlers Amanda Yap (left) and Ho Lo Ee in action against Thailand’s Phattharin Aiamvareesrisakul-Sarisa Janpeng during the qualifying round of the Malaysian Masters at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil on Tuesday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Women’s doubles pair Amanda Yap-Ho Lo Ee showed that their chemistry remains intact despite not having played together for 18 months, as they booked a spot in the main draw of the Malaysian Masters.
It was a promising debut for Lo Ee-Amanda in the tournament as they booked their spot after edging Thailand’s Phattharin Aiamvareesrisakul-Sarisa Janpeng 19-21, 21-14, 22-20 in the qualifying round on Tuesday (May 20).
The Malaysian pair delivered an impressive performance, especially considering they last played together at the Malaysian International Challenge in November 2023.
For Amanda, their chemistry was never in question, with the partnership going back to when they were just 14, playing together for Bayan Lepas Badminton Club in the Junior Purple League.
“We’re really excited with this win in the qualifying round. We played together about two years ago but were then split up, and now we’ve been reunited,” said Amanda.
“We know each other very well, and that gave us a lot of confidence going into today’s (yesterday’s) match.”
After being split up, Lo Ee went through several partner and event changes, most recently teaming up with Loo Bing Kun in the mixed doubles.
Amanda also had changes in her partnerships, having previously played with Tan Zhing Yi before being paired with Vanee Gobi in the women’s doubles.
Now reunited, Lo Ee-Amanda are hoping to carry their momentum into their first-round clash against Taiwan’s Chen Yan-fei and Sun Liang-ching on Wednesday (May 21).
“I’ve faced them a few years ago when I was partnered with Tan Zhing Yi. I’ve been out of action for about three months this year due to injury and have only just recovered.
“But playing with Amanda gives me confidence because I’m very familiar with her movements on court. I know what she wants to do without her having to say it and that kind of chemistry really helps during matches,” said Lo Ee.
Meanwhile, their teammate, Zhing Yi, who is now paired with Cheng Su Hui, fell short in the qualifying round after going down 22-20, 21-13, 21-15 to Taiwan’s Sung Yi-hsuan and Yang Yi-hsun.
