Macau: The 2011 World Junior champion, Malaysia’s independent player Zulfadli Zulkiffli survived a thrilling three-set test from Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) player Lim Chi Wing before seeing off the BAM player 21-11, 14-21, 21-15 in the third round of Macau Open on Thursday.
When asked about how he felt following his victory against Lim, Zulkiffli admitted it was a sensitive topic to comment.
“It’s hard to compare whether me or BAM players are better, we are all representing the same country. I can only say we are familiar with each other’s playing style,” said Zulkiffli.
“After leading at 15-7 in the deciding game, I lost my focus and allowed him to narrow the gap. Fortunately, I managed to regroup and to get through the challenge,” added the No. 10 seed. Zulkiffli will take on Taiwan’s Shih Kuei Chun on Friday.
Japanese player Kento Momota, the former World No. 2, dispatched his compatriot Naoki Yamazawa with ease as he recorded a 21-17, 21-7 victory at the Tap Seac Multi-sports Pavilion. Momota will meet compatriot No. 6 seed Kanta Tsuneyama next.
Another independent player from Malaysia – Chong Wei Feng also entered into the next round by beating Koki Watanabe of Japan, 21-7, 21-15. Chong will take on Lee Hyun Il of South Korea in the quarter-finals.
In mixed doubles, No. 8 seeds Chan Peng Soon/Cheah Yee See outlasted the Malaysia/Indonesia pair of Arif Latif/Rusydina Antardayu Riodingin 21-18, 21-10 and will battle Singapore’s Terry Hee/Tan Wei Han for a spot in the semi-finals.
