BANGKOK: Fortunes can change very quickly in sports. Just ask men’s singles shuttlers Justin Hoh.
On Wednesday, Justin cut a dejected figure after he failed to contribute a point in the men’s team 0-3 final defeat to Indonesia in the SEA Games. The 21-year-old lost to Indonesia’s Moh Zaki Ubaidillah in the second singles.
On Thursday (Dec 11), the smile was back on Justin’s face. He pulled off a stunning 22-20, 21-15 win over Singapore’s world No. 21 Jason Teh to reach the last eight of the individual event at Thammasat University in Pathum Thani.
Jason, who captured the Thailand Masters and Korean Masters titles, started as the favourite but the world No. 38 defied the odds to come out on top in 50 minutes.
The victory was more remarkable as Justin was trailing 10-17 in the first game but managed to claw his way back to snatch the game.
Games debutant Justin was happy to make amends after the disappointment in the team event.
"To be honest, I was sad after losing yesterday (Wednesday), so I tried to play my best today (yesterday). I am happy I could win," said Justin.
"When I was trailing, I just tried to listen to my coach and changed my strategy a bit.
"This win gives me lots of confidence and I hope to continue to perform well."
It was sweet revenge for Justin after going down to Jason in the German Open in February.
The youngster will next take on homester Kantaphon Wangcharoen, the world No. 55.
Meanwhile, Leong Jun Hao also reached the quarter-finals after beating Vixunnalath Phichith of Laos 21-15, 21-15.
Kantaphon’s teammate Panitchapon Teeraratsakul stands in his way next.
Overall, it was a good day for the singles when K. Letshanaa and Wong Ling Ching also enjoyed opening wins over Singaporean opponents.
Letshanaa ousted Jaslyn Hooi 21-17, 22-20 while Ling Ching overcame Insyirah Khan 21-16, 21-15.
Both have tougher tasks next against Indonesians Putri Kusuma and Ni Kadek Dhinda.
In the mixed doubles, Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin also reached the quarter-finals after a straightforward 21-8, 21-14 win over Philippines’ Soloman Padiz-Mary Untal.
A difficult match though awaits them against home favourites and second seeds Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Supissara Paewsampran.
RESULTS (Malaysians Only)
First round
Men’s singles: Justin Hoh bt Jason Teh (Sin) 22-20, 21-15; Leong Jun Hao bt Vixunnalath Phichith (Lao) 21-15, 21-15.
Women’s singles: K. Letshanaa bt Jaslyn Hooi (Sin) 21-17, 22-20; Wong Ling Ching bt Insyirah Khan (Sin) 21-16, 21-15.
Mixed doubles: Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin bt Soloman Padiz-Mary Untal (Phi) 21-8, 21-14.
