PETALING JAYA: National singles shuttler Justin Hoh’s hopes of climbing the world rankings suffered another setback at the Indonesian Masters.
Justin went down 12-21, 20-22 to China’s Sun Chao in the second round at the Djarum Arena in Kaliputu yesterday, and with that Malaysia’s challenge in the men’s singles has come to an end.
The 22-year-old Justin, who has reached the quarter-finals of only two tournaments this year – the Taiwan and Australian Opens – is still struggling to make a significant breakthrough on the international stage.
Currently ranked 46th in the world, Justin remains behind compatriots Leong Jun Hao (31) and Lee Zii Jia (42).
Once touted as Malaysia’s future top singles player, Justin will need to make his mark in lower-tier tournaments to improve his ranking and establish himself as a serious contender on the international circuit.
Yesterday, Lim Ming Hong also lost 14-21, 12-21 to Zhu Xuanchen of China in Indonesia.
Xuanchen had a day earlier defeated another Malaysian Eogene Ewe with a hard-fought 21-13, 8-21, 21-14 in the opener.
It is also the end of the road for Oo Shan Zi after losing 20-22, 10-21 to China’s Xu Wenjing in the women’s singles second round.
Top seed Wong Ling Ching and Eng Ler Qi had failed to clear their opening round matches on Wednesday.
Hopes were on Kang Khai Xing-Lok Hong Quan in the men’s doubles event but they went down 22-24, 19-21, 15-21 to Na Sung-seung-Wang Chan of South Korea yesterday.
