A wall too high

Mixed doubles pairs unable to match China’s prowess in HK

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s mixed doubles challenge has been wiped out in the Hong Kong Open in Kowloon following the defeats of Tan Kian Meng- Lai Pei Jing and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie.

Kian Meng-Pei Jing fought hard before going down 13-21, 17-21 to Zhang Nan-Liu Xuanxuan of China in the first round at the Hong Kong Coliseum yesterday.

World No. 9 Kian Meng-Pei Jing had also lost in the opening round of the China Open in Fuzhou last week. Then, Kian Meng was floored by illness.

Soon Huat-Shevon almost created an upset yesterday but could not last the pace in the decider – going down 16-21, 23-21, 15-21 to He Jiting-Du Yue of China in 52 minutes.

Meanwhile, Soong Fie Cho-Tee Jing Yi made it to the main draw of the women’s doubles after winning two matches against Hong Kong opponents in the qualifying tournament.

Fir Cho-Jing Yi defeated Cheung Ying Mei-Tsang Wing Chiu Avery 21-10, 21-15 in the first round and Fan Ka Yan-Wu Yi Ting 21-7, 21-17 in the second round.

They have a difficult task against seventh seeds Huang Yaqiong-Yu Xiaohan of China in the first round of today’s main draw.

Former international Lim Khim Wah and his South Korean partner Yoo Yeon-seong also cleared the qualifying tournament to set up a first- round meeting against India’s Manu Attri- Reddy B. Sumeeth.

Early bath: Tan Kian Meng and Lai Pei Jing lost 13-21, 17-21 to Zhang Nan-Liu Xuanxuan of China in the first round at the Hong Kong Coliseum yesterday.