Leaking roof, injury fear derail Justin's dream run in Macau final
The match was marred by poor playing conditions, with the Macau East Asian Games Dome court soaked due to a leaking roof, forcing repeated stoppages as court attendants scrambled to mop up the surface.
Still haunted by the Achilles tendon rupture that almost ended his career last year, the world No. 45 was clearly shaken and could only offer token resistance in his first World Tour final.
National singles coach K. Yogendran confirmed that the persistent roof leak disrupted the entire match and affected Justin's movement.
"The roof was leaking and the court had to be constantly mopped. It affected Justin's movement," said Yogendran.
"His heart wanted the title, but mentally he just wasn't brave enough."
"We all know what he went through with the injury. He's only just come back and is still rebuilding. His movement just wasn't there."
Yogendran acknowledged that world No. 25 Alwi was the better player on the day, but stressed the poor conditions robbed the final of a proper contest.
Despite the tame finish, Justin had enjoyed a solid run to the final, seeing off India's world No. 52 K. Sathish Kumar, world No. 31 Ayush Shetty, Thailand's world No. 52 Kantaphon Wangcharoen and world No. 47 Tharun Mannepalli along the way.
"It was a good week for Justin," said Yogendran.
"He beat Sathish and Ayush in straight games, and avenged his previous losses to Kantaphon and Tarun. He's finally got his game back and knows where he stands. Now we need to keep working on his weaknesses."
Alwi, 20, now leads their head-to-head 4-2, but Justin's maiden final appearance is a timely confidence boost.
The Malaysian is seen as part of the emerging 'next gen' group tipped to take over the men's singles circuit — led by world No. 7 Alex Lanier of France, alongside Alwi, Ayush, Hong Kong's world No. 40 Jason Gunawan, and Justin.
Justin also walked away with his biggest career cheque — US$14,060 (RM60,135) — while Alwi bagged US$29,230 (RM125,018) for the win.
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