Mixed fortunes for our paddlers

PADDLER Choong Javen nearly pulled off a big upset of the tournament.

The 17- year- old Commonwealth Games debutant had a mammoth task taking on

India’s Sharath Achanta in the third round of the men’s singles competition at the Oxenford Studios yesterday.

Sharath had played a major role in leading the Indian men’s team to a shocking gold medal on Monday.

Yet Javen, who hails from Seremban, was unfazed and took the more experienced Indian down to the wire before bowing out 2-11, 5-11, 4-11, 11-7, 13-11, 11-6, 7-11.

The Indian meets Australia’s Hu Heming in the fourth round.

There were better fortunes for national champion Mohd Ashraf Haikal and Leong Chee Feng.

Ashraf downed Aussie David Powell 11-9, 9-11, 11-6, 11-9, 11-5 while Chee Feng powered past another Aussie - Yan Xin - 11-2, 11-5, 13-11, 9-11, 11-8.

“I felt relaxed. I didn’t put so much pressure on myself because I wasn’t in the best shape during the team event,” said Chee Feng.

“So I calmed myself down and I managed to play my best.

“I would love to make the quarter-finals but I’m playing India’s Harmeet (Desai) in the last 16.

“I lost to him during the team event so I need to prepare myself for another tough fight.”

In women’s singles, Alice Chang and Ho Ying progressed into the third round.