Justin battles into main draw, but it's bye-bye for Letshanaa
Malaysia men's singles shuttler Justin Hoh in action against Taiwan's Chi Yu-jen in the quarter-final of Malaysia Super 100 badminton event at Stadium Juara, Bukit Kiara on Friday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: It was mixed fortunes for singles shuttlers Justin Hoh and K. Letshanaa in the Thailand Open when the former made it into the main draw while the latter suffered an early exit.
In the men's singles, world No. 45 Justin had to survive a scare before overcoming Belgium's world No. 52 Julien Carraggi 21-14, 19-21, 21-13 in the first qualifying round in 56 minutes at the Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok yesterday.
Then, just a few hours later, the 21-year-old did well to beat India's world No. 40 Ayush Shetty 21-14, 22-20 in 39 minutes.
Singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen was pleased with Justin's performance in the two matches.
'Two very good wins for Justin in two different ways and with a minimum time to recover between the two rounds after playing three games in the first match,' said Jonassen.
'Especially the win against Shetty was impressive. Understanding and accepting the need for aggressive play but also trusting himself to make the necessary adjustments during the matches.'
Justin, who reached the quarter-finals in the Taiwan Open last week, will be out to continue his promising form when he takes on another Indian, world No. 53 Tharun Mannepalli, next for a place in the second round.
Letshanaa though could not follow Justin into the main draw after going down 12-21, 20-22 to Thailand's world No. 81 Tidapron Kleebyeesun.
Letshanaa had earlier received a walkover in the first qualifying round after fellow Malaysian S. Kisona withdrew from the competition.
Despite the exit, the 21-year-old still had reason to be cheerful after reaching a career-high No. 47 in the latest world rankings.
Letshanaa moved up three rungs in the rankings after progressing to the last eight in the Taiwan tourney.
She will next look to do better when she competes in the Malaysian Masters which starts next Tuesday at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
Malaysians only
First qualifying round
Men's singles: Justin Hoh bt Julien Carraggi (Bel) 21-14, 19-21, 21-13.
Women's singles: K. Letshanaa (w.o.) S. Kisona.
Second qualifying round
Men's singles: Justin Hoh bt Ayush Shetty (Ind) 21-14, 22-20.
Women's singles: Tidapron Kleebyeesun (Tha) bt K. Letshanaa 21-12, 22-20.
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