Shuttler Aidil impresses in Thailand despite second-round exit
KUALA LUMPUR: Independent shuttler Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin's gallant run at the Thailand Open came to an end on Thursday after a hard-fought battle with world No. 14 Lu Guang Zu.
World No. 48 Aidil made a bright start against the Chinese ace but was eventually overpowered 18-21, 21-16, 21-14 in a 69-minute second-round clash at the Nimibutr Stadium.
Despite the defeat, it was a career-best result at a Super 500 event for the 23-year-old, who continues to impress ahead of the Malaysia Masters next week.
Aidil, who was dropped by the BA of Malaysia (BAM) in June last year, has steadily climbed the ranks under the guidance of independent coach Nova Armada.
He clinched the Sri Lanka International Challenge title in March, a breakthrough that helped him crack the top 50.
That milestone earned him a spot in the Thailand Open, his first Super 500 appearance on the BWF World Tour.
Aidil had to battle through the qualifying rounds in Bangkok and will face a similar challenge at the Malaysia Masters at the Axiata Arena, where he opens his campaign against world No. 65 Hang Yu Kai of Taiwan in the first round.
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The Star
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