PETALING JAYA: Even a power failure could not stop national junior shuttler Kong Wei Xiang from booking his place in the quarter-finals of the Malaysian Junior International Challenge at Stadium Titiwangsa on Thursday (July 23).
The 17-year old was unfazed after the lights went off during his third round men's singles match against compatriot Jin Khoo.
Once power was restored, Wei Xiang took just 43 minutes to win the match 21-15, 21-17.
Wei Xiang credited his composure and playstyle as keys to his victory.
"Everyone wants to win and compete against the best, but I just trusted my playing style and maintained a positive mindset," said the world No. 297.
Wei Xiang also hopes the win can spur him on to his first international title.
"I have yet to win a title, so I hope this tournament will be my breakthrough."
The next obstacle in the way of his dream will be 18-year-old Louis Lee, whom he had previously defeated in the Under-18 National Championships last year.
In the women's doubles, Rachel Tan-Teh Xin Ying defeated fellow Malaysians Nurin Hazirah Haizal-Ong Xin Ru 21-11, 21-19 to reach the quarter-finals.
Also through to the last eight are Mohd Iqbal Yusuf-Leong Hwee Ling who defeated local pair Ahmad Qaid Ahmad Fu’ad-Syed Harraz Sayed Muzir 21-14, 21-11 in the men's doubles and Lee Mun, who defeated the Philippines’ Imari Dawn Jimenez 21-17, 21-19 in the women's singles.
