Jakarta: Malaysia wrapped up day one of Indonesia Open with six victories and four losses.
World number one Lee Chong Wei took 31 minutes to beat Indonesian player, Sony Dwi Kuncoro in straight sets 21-7 and 21-11. During the first set, Chong Wei adopted a more attacking approach and Sony was not able to keep pace with his adversary. Sony started the second set with a lot of offensive shots, but Chong Wei was able to stay calm and prevailed in the end. Chong Wei will play Brice Leverdez of France in second round.
Two other Malaysians men’s singles – Mohd Arif Abdul Latif and Chong Wei Feng – also made it to the second round. Mohamad Arif Abdul Latif defeated Japan’s Kento Momota 21-19 21-13; The match between Chong Wei Feng and world number 13th Tian Houwei turned out to be a thriller with Wei Feng fighting back from one set down to win 11-21, 21-15, 21-8. He will play Kenichi Tago in the second round.
“I already lost to Kenichi three times in a row, I need to find a way to break the losing streak. I believe I stay a chance of beating him if I play well,” said Wei Feng.
In the women’s singles, Tee Jing Yi defeated Indonesian Hera Desi 21-19, 30-28 and Yang Li Lian beat Jamie Subandhi of USA 21-17, 21-17.
In the men’s doubles event, Tan Boon Heong – Tan Wee Kiong knocked off Maneepong Jongjit – Nipitphon Puangpuapech 12-21 21-18 21-19 to advance to the second round; meanwhile, Goh V Shem- Lim Khim Wah were sent packing by Liu Xiaolong-Qiu Zihan of China 20-22,15-21, and Hoon Thien How-Ow Yao Han were defeated by Wijaya Redra, Rian Sukmawan of Indonesia 17-21, 12-21.
Other Malaysian that faltered in the first round of Indonesia Open were: Lim Yin Loo-Yean Lee Meng went down to Puspa Irawati – Vita Marissa of Indonesia 16-21, 21-14, 15-21; and Amelia Alicia Anscelly- Soong Fie Cho bowed out by losing 20-22, 18-21 to Indonesian Keshya Nurvita Hanadia-Devi Tika Permatasari.
