PETALING JAYA: Shuttlers Kang Khai Xing-Lok Hong Quan are the only locals left standing in the Malaysian Super 100 after the exits of two other pairs in the quarter-final action at Iskandar Puteri in Johor.
Khai Xing-Hong Quan hardly broke sweat when their opponents Chen Bo-yuan-Lu Ming-che of Taiwan retired after trailing 0-3 in the opening game.
They will face Jin Yong-Jo Song-hyun of South Korea in the semi-finals today.
The duo are the sole survivors after Liew Xun-Nicole Tan and Dania Sofea Zaidi-Tan Zhing Hui lost in their respective mixed doubles and women’s doubles matches.
Liew acknowledged that their Indonesian opponents Rehan Naufal-Melati Daeva’s greater experience made it difficult for the Malaysian pair to establish their own rhythm throughout the match after losing 13-21, 6-21.
“They were able to dictate the pace of the game. We need to be more patient and control our emotions better on court,” he said.
Nicole also acknowledged that communication with her partner could improve, given that this was their first time partnering each other.
“The wind conditions on each side of the court also played a part, while our opponents were more experienced and able to maintain their rhythm,” she said.
“As this was our first time partnering together, our communication can still improve.
“Playing against top players like them gives us an opportunity to learn from their style of play.
“This tournament has also helped me identify the areas I need to improve.
“We will take these lessons back, continue learning and work harder in training,” she added.
