Tang Jie-Wen Tse smash their way to semis but all others falter in Taiwan
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's hopes of fielding two mixed doubles pairs in the semi-finals of the Taiwan Open were dashed, with only Chen Tang Jie-Chan Wen Tse making the cut on Friday (May 9).
The seventh seeds Tang Jie-Wen Tse overcame a shaky start before settling into their rhythm to outplay Indonesia's Bobby Setiabudi-Melati Oktavianti 22-20, 21-10 in just 28 minutes at the Taipei Arena.
But there was disappointment for Toh Ee Wei-Loo Bing Kun, who failed to capitalise on a strong start against Indonesia's Dejan Ferdinansyah-Siti Fadia.
The Malaysians edged their strong opponents in the opening game but could not maintain their momentum, eventually falling 22-20, 17-21, 12-21 in a gruelling 59-minute encounter.
As Malaysia's sole representatives in the semi-finals on Saturday, Tang Jie-Wen Tse face a tough task against fourth seeds Jafar Hidayatullah-Felisha Pasaribu.
The day had ended in heartbreak earlier for the country's two singles shuttlers, Justin Hoh and K. Letshanaa.
Justin, who had impressed in his earlier rounds, found the going tough against home favourite Wang Tzu-Wei and bowed out 13-21, 15-21.
Letshanaa's campaign also came to an end at the hands of second seed Sim Yu-jin.
Although she fought hard and tried to take the match to a decider, she was unable to outplay Yu-jin and eventually went down 16-21, 21-13, 15-21.
RESULTS
Quarter-finals (Malaysians only)
Men's singles: Wang Tzu-wei (Tpe) bt Justin Hoh 21-13, 21-15.
Women's singles: Sim Yu-jin (Kor) bt K. Letshanaa 21-16, 13-21, 21-15.
Mixed doubles: Chen Tang Jie-Chan Wen Tse bt Bobby Setiabudi-Melati Oktivianti (Ina) 22-20, 21-10; Dejan Ferdinansyah-Siti Fadia Ramadhanti (Ina) bt Loo Bing Kun-Toh Ee Wei 20-22, 21-17, 21-12.
Second round
Mixed doubles: Takumi Nomura-Yuichi Shimogami (Jpn) bt Chen Tang Jie-Wong Vin Sean 21-19, 21-18.
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