SOON HUAT GIVES UP SINGLES TO TRY HIS LUCK IN MIXED DOUBLES
Kian Meng-Pei Jing shine as Jin Wei falls in Bangkok
KUALA LUMPUR: Goh Jin Wei’s (pic) hope for revenge fizzled out at the Thailand Open, but Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing kept the Malaysian flag flying high in Bangkok.
The 16-year-old Jin Wei put up a better show, but it was still not good enough as she fell 20-22, 13-21 to third seed and SEA Games champion Busanan Ongbamrungphan of Thailand in the women’s singles semi-finals yesterday.
The world junior champion was leading Busanan 18-15 in the opening game before succumbing to nerves.
It was Jin Wei’s second loss to the world No. 16, having been knocked out by the Thai in the final of the Indonesian Masters in Balik Papan last month.
“I played better compared to my previous meeting against her ... it’s getting better,” said Jin Wei.
“I lost control in the second game. There are still areas that I need to work on. I will now focus on the Taiwan Open (starting on Wednesday).”
Mixed doubles pair Kian Meng-Pei Jing, the third seeds, made up for Jin Wei’s exit by reaching their sixth Open final this year in style.
They staged a remarkable fightback to upset second seeds Puavaranukroh Dechapol-Sapsiree Taerattanachai of Thailand 22-24, 21-17, 21-14 in a 69-minute energy-sapping match.
The Malaysians will take on first-time finalists Tang Chun Man-Tse Ying Suet of Hong Kong for the title.
Chun Man-Ying Suet have only been playing together for six months under the guidance of Malaysian coach and former doubles player Choong Tan Fook.
Kian Meng has promised not to take their world No. 203 opponents for granted in today’s final.
“Pei Jing and I played quite well to outfox our Thai rivals in the semis today. The was more pressure on them as they were playing on home ground,” said Kian Meng.
“We cannot expect an easy ride in the final. Based on the Hong Kong pair’s performance, it will be an even contest. Hopefully, we can stay calm and composed and win our second title this year.”
Kian Meng-Pei Jing captured the Vietnam Open title in July, but ended up as bridesmaids in the Malaysian Masters, Polish Open, Taiwan Open and Indonesian Masters.