PETALING JAYA: Singles woman shuttler Wong Ling Ching (pic) is set to assume the national No. 1 spot after the Orleans Masters this week.
Her steady rise in the ranking reflects the hard work Ling Ching has put in over the past months, translating into impressive wins against higher-ranked opponents.
Yesterday, the 22-year-old Ling Ching continued her fine form when she came through a stern test, knocking out eighth seed Zhang Beiwen of the United States 21-19, 13-21, 23-21 in 53 minutes in the first round of the Orleans Masters at the Palais des Sports in France.
She was trailing 14-17 in the deciding game but turned the tide to beat Beiwen in their first international meeting.
Ling Ching plays against India’s Malvika Bansod next.
In the world ranking, Ling Ching is at the 37th spot (38,381), just 213 points separating her from the current No. 1 K. Letshanaa at 36th position (38,594).
Letshanaa’s outing has ended in France after she went down 21-15, 16-21, 9-21 to Taiwan’s Pai Yu-po in 53 minutes.
In the men’s singles, Justin Hoh had to dig deep to beat fifth seed Chi Yu-jen of Taiwan 21-9, 14-21, 24-22 in a 61-minute opening-round match to set up a meeting against Su Li-yang of Taiwan.
The 21-year-old Justin holds a strong record against Li-yang, having won their last four encounters, including a 21-17, 21-19 victory at the Thailand Masters.
RESULTS
(Malaysians unless stated)
FIRST ROUND
Men’s singles: Justin Hoh bt Chi Yu-jen (Tpe) 21-9, 14-21, 24-22.
Women’s singles: Wong Ling Ching bt Zhang Biewen (US) 21-19, 13-21, 23-21; Pai Yu-po (Tpe) bt K. Letshanaa 21-15, 16-21, 21-9.
