Letshanaa storms into US Open quarters as Justin, Ling Ching falter
KUALA LUMPUR: K. Letshanaa kept Malaysia's hopes alive at the US Open by reaching the women's singles quarter-finals - but there was disappointment for compatriots Justin Hoh and Wong Ling Ching, who bowed out in the second round.
World No. 50 Letshanaa overcame India's world No. 49 Aakarshi Kashyap 21-17, 20-22, 21-13 in a 65-minute battle in Council Bluffs, Iowa on Thursday.
The 21-year-old advanced to her second Super 300 quarter-final of the year, following her last-eight showing at the Taiwan Open in May.
Letshanaa will bid to reach her first Super 300 semi-final when she takes on another Indian opponent, world No. 66 Tanvi Sharma, today.
stunned former world champion Nozomi Okuhara of Japan 21-8, 21-19.
While Letshanaa continued to impress, it was a day to forget for world No. 43 Justin, who failed to live up to his seventh seeding in the men's singles.
The 21-year-old went down 21-15, 9-21, 21-17 to Taiwan's world No. 76 Liao Jhuo Fu in a match that once again highlighted his inconsistencies.
Justin's erratic form is becoming a concern, especially given the opportunity to capitalise on a diluted field this week with many top players opting to rest.
A strong showing in Iowa would have helped him climb the world rankings.
Meanwhile, Ling Ching could not sustain the momentum from her impressive first-round upset of fourth seed Hsu Wen Chi.
The world No. 96 went down tamely 22-20, 21-12 to Bulgaria's Kaloyana Nalbantova.
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