Race against time: National men’s doubles shuttlers Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun’s chances of qualifying for the World Tour Finals hinge on how soon the latter is able to fully recover.
PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles shuttlers Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun are fretting over their chances of qualifying for the World Tour Finals starting from Dec 17-21 in Hangzhou after an untimely injury to the latter.
Kai Wun tore a muscle in his right calf and has been ruled out of the Arctic Open which starts tomorrow in Vantaa, Finland, and Denmark Open from Oct 14-19 in Odense along with Wei Chong, putting the pair’s Tour Finals spot in jeopardy.
Wei Chong-Kai Wun looked on course to book their place in the prestigious season ender for the first time as they sit fourth in the Race to Finals ranking with the top eight pairs granted access to the event.
Kai Wun’s injury though leaves the pair in danger of being overtaken by others.
Men’s doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi said that his charges’ chances of qualifying hinge on how soon Kai Wun is able to fully recover and return to competitions.
“Kai Wun tore a muscle in his right calf and the doctor has said that he will need a minimum of two weeks to recover,” said Herry.
“We are monitoring his condition and we hope he can return in time with Wei Chong for the French Open from Oct 21-26.
“Their qualification for the Tour Finals depends on how long he takes to recover from this injury.”
Wei Chong-Kai Wun have also been registered for the Hylo Open right after the French tourney from Oct 28-Nov 2.
Kai Wun’s injury comes as a blow for the pair as they were looking to regain their best form after back-to-back early round exits in the Hong Kong Open and China Masters last week.
Overall though, Wei Chong-Kai Wun, who are currently ranked No. 8 in the world, have enjoyed a fine year after capturing the Indonesian Masters in January and Malaysian Masters in May.
Kai Wun will be hoping to recover as soon as possible and avoid missing the cut for the Tour Finals again with Wei Chong after the duo came close last year but could not qualify due to disappointing performances in Europe.
Meanwhile, despite the absence of Wei Chong-Kai Wun, Malaysia will still be represented by the top two seeds in the men’s doubles in the Arctic Open led by world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and world No. 3 independent duo Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani. The others looking to make their mark are world No. 20 Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi, world No. 45 Mohd Haikal Nazri-Choong Hon Jian and Low Hang Yee-Ng Eng Cheong (No. 47).
