Veterans still on fire
Rough patch: Tan Wee Kiong-Nur Azriyn Ayub suffered seven consecutive first-round exits since the German Open in February.
PETALING JAYA: Even before today's second-round matches get under way, Malaysia are already assured of having at least two men's doubles pairs in the quarter-finals of the Indonesian Open.
World No. 1 duo Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani will face veterans Tan Wee Kiong-Nur Azriyn Ayub, while Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun are set to take on Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi in another all-Malaysian clash.
For Wee Kiong-Azriyn, there was a sense of relief after they finally cleared the opening round on Tuesday, defeating China's Xie Haonan-Zeng Weihan 21-17, 21-12.
The pair had suffered seven consecutive first-round exits since the German Open in February.
Ironically, the last time they progressed beyond the first round was also in Jakarta, at the Indonesia Masters on January where they were stopped by the same Chinese pair.
'Our last meeting with Haonan-Weihan was here in Indonesia, so we didn't have much confidence at the start. But after a few rallies, Azriyn found his rhythm. He led the way today (Tuesday) and we got back on track,' said Wee Kiong in an interview with BWF.
'For me, it's about using my experience to guide us. I let Azriyn do most of the court coverage as we try to close the gap with the top pairs. Hopefully, we can keep up this momentum.'
Wee Kiong, 36, and Azriyn, 31, know they are no longer in their prime, but beyond chasing victories, they are also looking to enjoy the matches they play. In their past three meetings, Wee Kiong-Azriyn have only beaten Sze Fei-Izzuddin once, during the second round of the Kumamoto Masters last year. However, in their most recent clash at the Indian Open in March, they fell to the younger pair.
'At our age, we're still trying to achieve something. Of course, we want to enjoy the game and create something special in our careers.
'We've managed to clear the first hurdle, but we have to stay focused,' he added.
It was a similar story in the men's doubles, as Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi and Choong Hon Jian-Mohd Haikal Nazri both crashed out in the first round. Ee Yi-Yew Sin continued to struggle with their early-round woes after going down to China's Liang Weikeng-Wang Chang. The Malaysian pair put up a strong resistance, but it wasn't enough to prevent the fourth seeds from claiming a 21-23, 20-22 win.
Hon Jian-Haikal, meanwhile, found the going tough against former world champions Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi, losing tamely 13-21, 9-21.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
22 minutes ago
- The Sun
China's World Cup Dreams End After 1-0 Defeat to Indonesia
CHINA coach Branko Ivankovic took responsibility for his team's exit from the World Cup qualifiers after they fell to a 1-0 defeat by Indonesia in Jakarta on Thursday. China had faint hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup despite three consecutive losses against Japan, Saudi Arabia and Australia, which left them bottom of Asian qualifying Group C. The expansion of the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 edition had ignited Chinese hopes of a return to the finals for the first time since their sole appearance in 2002. "This team has been fighting for this goal for over 20 years," Ivankovic told reporters. "We believed that if we could reach the next stage from this tough group, we would have a strong chance of qualifying. But we didn't succeed, and as head coach, I definitely bear significant responsibility." The 71-year-old Croatian was appointed by China in February last year to replace Aleksandar Jankovic after the Serbian failed to take the East Asian country beyond the group phase of the 2024 Asian Cup. "We've brought in a younger generation of players who have injected energy into the team. Based on their performances, I believe this team has a promising future," Ivankovic said. "We knew this match would be tough — not just because of the opponent, but also the weather. I want to thank my players for fighting until the very last second." China next host Bahrain, who are in fifth place in Group C, for their final third-round qualifier on June 10.
The Star
37 minutes ago
- The Star
Hevel hopes to be on another level with Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: For Hector Hevel, it's more than just a game. It's a moment to honour his heritage, solidify his place in Harimau Malaya, and push Harimau Malaya closer to 2027 Asian Cup qualification. The midfielder, who is set to join Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), is expected to play a key role in Malaysia's 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Vietnam next Tuesday at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil and he's buzzing with excitement. "Honestly, I'm happy to be back," said Hevel during a press conference at the Hyatt Place here yesterday. "The team are working well, the coach has a clear idea, and we're building on the structure and style we developed in the last camp. Every day, things are improving. We're more comfortable with the way we play." Hevel, 28, is part of the recent wave of Malaysian heritage players brought into the national set-up. His roots trace back to Melaka through his grandfather, and while he's yet to visit the state, the connection was enough to initiate conversations about representing Malaysia. "It came from my grandfather's side," said the Dutch-born player. "From there, discussions began, and we did the paperwork. People close to the national set-up helped, and now I'm here to contribute. I hope to visit Melaka soon and learn more about where my family came from." Since his debut against Nepal in March, where he scored and impressed, Hevel has quickly become a fan favourite. But he remains grounded, refusing to buckle under the weight of expectations. "Of course, scoring in your first game creates expectations, but I don't feel pressure like that. I just try to help, whether it's scoring, assisting, organising play or just executing the coach's plan. Football isn't only about goals, it's about doing your part to get the result." Malaysia's recent struggles against Vietnam, which they haven't won in the last few meetings, have been a talking point in the camp, and Hevel sees it as motivation, not a burden. "We know it's been a long time since we beat them. That's our trigger. They're a good team, but so are we. We've done the analysis. We know our weapons. Now, it's all about execution." With five newcomers - Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Iranzabal and Joao Figueiredo - from overseas joining the squad this window, Hevel is playing a mentor's role, helping others adapt quickly to the system. "Adapting is key. The match is coming fast, so the guys have to feel comfortable as soon as possible. The rest of us are helping them settle in. It's not about pressure on the new boys, we all carry the responsibility. The goal is clear - win on Tuesday."
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Dos Santos' familiarity with Vietnam could be key to good result for Malaysia
Malaysia's Endrick Dos Santos in action against Taiwan during the World Cup qualifier match at Bukit Jalil National Stadium last night. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Naturalised playmaker Endrick dos Santos is entering familiar territory when Malaysia take on Vietnam in a crucial 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil next Tuesday. The 30-year-old Dos Santos' ties with Vietnam run deep. Currently on loan from Johor Darul Ta'zim to Ho Chi Minh City FC in 1, he has strong relationships with his club teammates and coaches. And that comes with some valuable inside knowledge which he hopes to utilise and help the Harimau Malaya gain an advantage. Malaysia have yet to beat Vietnam in their last few outings but Dos Santos believes this time around, things are different, not just because of home advantage but due to the meticulous preparation and unity in the camp. "We've analysed the Vietnam team with our analysts. They're fast, strong, and they fight. But like every team, they have weaknesses. We've trained hard to follow the coach's plan. I trust the team and the process 100 percent, this will be a good game." Dos Santos still has two more matches left on his contract in Vietnam before discussions about his future take place. But for now, his focus is fully on Malaysia. With several new Malaysian-heritage players joining the squad, Endrick's multilingual background, where he is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, English, and some Malay, has made him a natural bridge in the dressing room. "We speak a bit of everything to help each other. I try to make the new guys feel comfortable. The staff and players are all walking in the same direction now. That's very important. We think alike, we move as one and we're focused only on the win." While Vietnam will be a tough test, Dos Santos is confident Malaysia can rise to the occasion - especially with the home crowd behind them. "It's 11 vs 11, but we're playing at home. That changes things. The fans give us a big push and we need them. We'll do everything to get the three points."
