Passionate home support galvanises Haikal-Hon Jian to slay Thai giants

Inspired duo: and Mohd Haikal Nazri in action against Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Kittinupong Kedren. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Shuttlers Mohd Haikal Nazri-Choong Hon Jian finally had a victory to savour in the men’s doubles after eight months.

Haikal-Hon Jian, who have been struggling with form and fitness issues over the past few months, turned in a spirited performance to send Thailand’s world No. 14 Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Kittinupong Kedren packing in the opening round at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.