Justin hunts Macau redemption as he faces old foe Alwi in final
PETALING JAYA: Nothing is impossible for men's singles shuttler Justin Hoh as he looks to land the Macau Open title despite going up against a higher-ranked opponent.
In today's final at the Macau East Asian Games Dome, Justin will face world No. 25 Alwi Farhan.
It will be a much-anticipated rematch for Justin, who not only wants to deliver the first men's singles title for Malaysia this year but is also determined to avenge his defeat to the Indonesian at the same tournament last year, where both players clashed in the second round.
The rivalry between the two goes back to their junior days. Out of their five previous meetings, Justin has won two, including their most recent encounter in the quarter-finals of the Guwahati Masters in India in 2023.
Men's singles coach K. Yogendran believes there is no reason for Justin to be intimidated, as they will be fully prepared with the best strategies to take on Alwi.
'On paper, we know that Alwi is the higher-ranked player compared to Justin, but nothing is impossible. We will be ready with the necessary strategies and fight until the end.
'I hope Justin can play his game, stay calm and, most importantly, not feel pressured,' said Yogendran when contacted.
In yesterday's semi-finals, Justin was made to work hard against India's Tharun Mannepalli before securing his place in the final with a gritty 19-21, 21-16, 21-16 win after an 81-minute battle.
Alwi, meanwhile, pulled off an upset by ousting second seed Lakshya Sen 21-16, 21-9.
Yogendran revealed that Justin had struggled with the playing conditions at the venue during the semi-finals, but was relieved that their tactical adjustments eventually paid off.
'The issue on court was related to the wind, and in the first game, he was playing with the wind, which made things difficult for him.
'In the second game, he was playing against it, and I gave him some advice that helped him play with more courage, launch attacks and counter-attacks.
'As for the third game, our strategy was to keep the score close with Manepalli, not letting the gap get too wide, so that when the sides were switched, we would have the advantage and it worked,' he added.
If Justin goes on to win today's final, he will end Malaysia's 15-year title drought in the men's singles at the tournament, which was last won by Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei in 2010.
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