PETALING JAYA: Men's doubles shuttler, Choong Hon Jian-Wong Vin Sean came agonisingly close to winning their second title in three weeks after they fell in the final of the Malaysian International Challenge on Sunday (Aug 16).
Hon Jian-Vin Sean, Malaysia’s only finalists, pushed Japan’s Naoya Kawashima-Kota Ogawa all the way before going down 17-21, 21-10, 21-23 at Arena Badminton Perak, Ipoh.
The defeat denied Hon Jian-Vin Sean another title just two weeks after they won the Philippines International Challenge in Manila.
Still, Hon Jian was pleased with the progress he has made with Vin Sean since they were paired together.
“I was satisfied with the result, but becoming the champion would have been even nicer,” said Hon Jian.
The pair will now turn their attention to the Singapore International Challenge from Aug 18-23, with little time to recover from their run in Ipoh.
“Since we are having back-to-back tournaments, I just want to go step by step, taking it one round at a time and not setting our goals too high,” said Hon Jian.
Vin Sean, however, is hoping they can go one better in Singapore as he looks to break into the world’s top 100.
“I want to reach the final in Singapore, as I wish to improve my ranking and break into the top 100,” said Vin Sean.
RESULTS
All finals
Men's singles: Shogo Ogawa (Jpn) bt Kosuke Masumoto (Jpn) 21-17, 18-21, 21-15.
Men's doubles: Naoya Kawashima-Kota Ogawa (Jpn) bt Choong Hon Jian-Wong Vin Sean (Mas) 21-17, 10-21, 23-21.
Women's singles: Sarunsak Vitidsarn (Tha) bt Anyapat Phichitpreechasak (Tha) 21-15, 21-10.
Women's doubles: Mikoto Aiso-Momoho Niimi (Jpn) bt Miki Kanehiro-Yuna Kato (Jpn) 21-17, 21-15.
Mixed doubles: Kota Ogawa-Misaki Kurashima (Jpn) bt Thanadol Yunmongkol-Nattamon Laisuan (Tha) 15-21, 25-23, 21-10.
