Eogene's rise a timely boost for Malaysia's struggling men's singles
PETALING JAYA: Back-up shuttlers Eogene Ewe and Mohd Faiq Masawi-Lok Hong Quan proved the future is bright after making strides in the latest world rankings following impressive performances in the Malaysian International Challenge.
Men's singles player Eogene moved up six rungs from No. 80 to a career high No. 74 in the world after capturing the title in Ipoh on Sunday.
The 20-year-old narrowly beat fellow Malaysian Lee Jan Jireh to win his second senior title after claiming the Slovenian Open in May.
Eogene has now overtaken world No. 79 Cheam June Wei to become the fifth highest ranked Malaysian in the country behind world No. 25 Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh (No. 37), Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin (No. 43) and Lee Zii Jia (No. 52).
Eogene's rise up the ranks is a timely boost for the country's struggling men's singles.
Singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen was happy with the improvement shown by his charge.
"I'm very pleased with Eogene's performance in the Malaysian International Challenge," said Jonassen.
"A full week of handling the pressure and expectations and he came out on top. He also learnt important lessons in this tournament."
Eogene will next look to continue his good form in the Vietnam Open from Sept 9-14.
Meanwhile, men's doubles pair Faiq-Hong Quan also achieved a career first by leaping 31 rungs from No. 118 to No. 87 after finishing runners-up to Japan's Keiichiro Matsui-Katsuki Tamate in the Malaysian tourney.
Despite missing out on their first senior title, it was still a positive outing for Faiq and Hong Quan, who are both only 19.
The duo showed that they have the potential to one day take the place of world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik when the pair hang up their racquets.
Faiq-Hong Quan's next assignment is the China Masters from Sept 2-7.
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