Suncheon: In the quest for their first international title in 5 years, the World No. 10 mixed doubles pair Tan Kian Meng/Lai Pei Jing of Malaysia have reached the final of the 2022 Korea Open after surviving a tough semi-final match against World No. 23 Rinov Rivaldy/Pitha Haningtyas Mentari of Indonesia on Saturday.
The No. 2 seeds from Malaysia faced strong resistance from the Indonesian duo early in the first game as the score was tied at 9-9, 13-13 before Tan/Lai reeled off 8 consecutive points to seal the first game 21-13.
Although Tan/Lai were off to a quick 4-0 in the second game, Rivaldy/Mentari managed to overtake the lead and was one point away from forcing a decider at 20-18. Tan/Lai then played with superb defense pressuring Rivaldy/Mentari to make mistake to win the second game 22-20 after Rivaldy hit the ball out of bounds.
The last time Tan/Lai had won an international title was at the 2017 Malaysia Masters, where they defeated Goh Soon Huat/Shevon Jemie Lai 21–17, 21–9 in the final. They will face No. 4 seeds Ko Sung Hyun/Eom Hye Won of Korea in the final.
In the men’s singles final, No. 3 seed Jonatan Christie will meet China’s up-and-coming star Weng Hong Yang in the final.
After winning the Swiss Open two weeks ago, Indonesia’s World No. 9 Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto seemed to be gaining some great momentum by beating reigning All England champions Muhammad Shohibul Fikri/Bagas Maulana 21-12, 21-9 to set up a final encounter with Kang Minhyuk/Seo Seungjae of Korea in the final. Kang/Seo prevented an all-Indonesia men’s doubles final by outlasting No. 2 seeds Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan 21-16, 17-21, 21-9 in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, home favorite An Seyoung will battle Pornpawee Chochuwong of Thailand for the women’s singles crown, while Benyapa Aimsaard/ Nuntakarn Aimsaard of Thailand will play Jeong Na Eun/ Kim Hye Jeong of Korea in the women’s doubles final.
