PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles pair Choong Hon Jian-Mohd Haikal Nazri pulls off a stunning upset at the Arctic Open after defeating world No. 16 Huang Di-Liu Yang of China in the first round on Wednesday (Oct 8).
The match at Energia Areena in Vantaa saw Hon Jian-Haikal, ranked world No. 47, get off to a strong start in the opening game before showing great composure in the second.
Despite trailing midway through, they held their nerve to prevent the Chinese pair from forcing a decider, sealing a 23-21, 22-20 victory in 50 minutes.
Awaiting them in the second round are either France’s Eloi Adam-Leo Rossi or Scotland’s Christopher Grimley-Matthew Grimley.
Meanwhile, top seeds Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik cruised into the second round after a comfortable win over Denmark’s Daniel Lundgaard-Mads Vestergaard.
Aaron-Wooi Yik delivered a composed performance to overcome the world No. 27 pair 21-18, 21-15 in just 37 minutes.
They will next face compatriots Low Hang Yee-Ng Eng Cheong, who received a first-round bye.
