Kuala Lumpur: Last week’s Thailand Masters men’s doubles champions Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong were on course for their second title in two weeks after the pair came back from a set down to beat Di Zijian/Wang Chang of China 21-14, 19-21, 21-9 in 45 minutes in the first round of Malaysia Masters.
“We were slow going into the second set. When we started to regain our focus, it’s already too late,” said Tan.
“Fortunately, we found our rhythm quickly heading into the decider, and we were able to finish the match in our favor,” added Tan.
Goh/Tan will face their first big test of the year, when playing against former World Champions Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan in the second round. Ahsan/Setiawan comfortably beat Lee Yong Dae/Kim Gi Jung 21-16, 21-13.
In men’s singles, World No. 1 Kento Momota was denied by teammate Kenta Nishimoto of Japan on Wednesday, losing 15-21, 21-14, 20-22 to the World No. 9 Nishimoto.
Nishimoto will take on Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in the second round.
Lee, who was eager to meet Momota in the second round originally, put on a brilliant display to down Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk of Thailand 14-21, 21-18, 21-10.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s independent player Daren Liew rallied from 3-13 in the first set, to ultimately overcome Tommy Sugiarto of Indonesia 23-21, 21-13. Liew will meet Victor Svendsen of Denmark next.
