PETALING JAYA: The all-Malaysian clash between Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Teo Ee Yi-Ong Yew Sin in the first round of the Japan Open has brought a mix of emotions.
There was disappointment as second seeds Aaron-Wooi Yik suffered a shock early exit from the tournament, especially with high hopes riding on them to go far.
At the same time, there was relief for Ee Yi-Yew Sin, who finally broke their first-round curse. Since the India Open in January, the pair had failed to progress past the opening hurdle in any of their tournaments.
This time, they showed renewed determination, especially Yew Sin who recently tied the knot with former Japanese singles shuttler Aya Ohori.
The former world championship bronze medallists in 2021 took just 30 minutes to upstage Aaron-Wooi Yik with a convincing 21-15, 21-15 win.
National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky admitted he was personally surprised by Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik’s early exit.
“It is definitely shocking when a seeded pair loses in the first round,” said Rexy briefly when contacted.
Meanwhile, it was a nervy path to the second round for Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, who had to battle hard against fellow Malaysians Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi.
The sixth seeds narrowly took the opening game before pulling away in the second to secure a 30-28, 21-12 victory. They will face China’s Huang Di-Liu Yang in the next round.
There was still something to cheer for in the national camp, thanks to a commanding performance from women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah.
Fresh off signing contract extensions with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), the pair looked sharp and composed as they eased past Bulgarian sisters Gabriela and Stefani Stoeva 21-16, 21-14 in just 31 minutes.
“They played with good composure. At the start, they were still adjusting to the drift in the hall, but once they took the lead at the interval, they controlled the match well,” said Rexy, who was pleased with their performance.
They will take on Taiwan’s Hsieh Pei-shang and Hung En-tzu in the second round today.
