Sibu: The unseeded former Malaysian national shuttler Chong Wei Feng pulled off a stunning victory against the 2007 World Championships silver medalists and No. 11 seed Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia 12-21, 21-6, 21-9 in the men’s singles first round of the Victor Far East Malaysia Masters at the Sibu Indoor Stadium on Tuesday.
Chong will take on Henrikho Kho Wibowo of Indonesia next.
Former World Junior champion and Malaysia’s independent shuttler Zulfadli Zulkiffli who has vowed to retain the men’s singles title in the hand of a Malaysian player, was not troubled by Abhishek Yelegar of India on Tuesday either. Zulkiffli progressed into the second round by outlasting Yelegar 21-13, 21-14. The Malaysian player will play Hsueh Hsuan Yi of Taiwan on Wednesday.
Speaking to Malaysian media before the tournament, the 24-year-old former world junior champion was hoping he could start his 2017 on high note at the Malaysia Masters.
“I am hoping this could be a great year for me. My focus will be on the World Championships in Glasgow, the All England in March and the World University Games,” said Zulkiffli.
Defending champion World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei and last year’s Malaysia Masters runner-up Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin have pulled out from this year’s Malaysia Masters because Lee would like to be more selective in his tournament participations this year while Zainuddin has sustained a hip muscle tear during training.
