Justin starts strongly in Thailand Open
KUALA LUMPUR: Men's singles shuttler Justin Hoh made a solid start to his Thailand Open campaign in Bangkok today.
With Leong Jun Hao absent due to a right elbow injury and Ng Tze Yong still working his way back to top form after a long injury layoff, several national shuttlers are aiming to make an impact at the Super 500 tournament.
Justin, currently ranked world No. 45, booked a win in the first qualifying round by defeating Belgium's world No. 51 Julien Carraggi in three games 21-14, 19-21, 21-13 in 56 minutes at the Nimibutr Stadium.
He will next face India's world No. 44 S. Ayush in the second qualifying round, with a place in the main draw at stake.
Ayush leads their head-to-head 2-1, having won their most recent encounter at the Syed Modi International.
Also progressing was Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin, who overcame India's K. Sathish Kumar in his opening qualifying match.
Aidil, ranked world No. 50, prevailed 21-19, 12-21, 21-12 in 50 minutes against the world No. 49. He will meet Japan's world No. 47 Riku Hatano in the next round, with the Japanese player holding a 2-1 record in their past meetings.
In the women's singles, K. Letshanaa began the day with a career-high world ranking of No. 47.
She advanced without taking to the court after fellow Malaysian S. Kisona conceded a walkover.
Letshanaa is set to play Thailand's Tidapron Kleebyeesun in the second qualifying round.
Meanwhile, the Korean-Malaysian men's doubles pair of Choi Sol Gyu-Goh V Shem moved into the next round after seeing off Thailand's Vichayapong Kanjanakeereewon-Naruset Laotherdpong 21-15, 21-17.
They will next take on Taiwan's world No. 59 duo, He Zhi Wei and Huang Jui Hsuan.
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