KUALA LUMPUR: Men’s doubles shuttler Ong Yew Sin might just have found his lucky charm, and she’s from the Land of the Rising Sun.
Newly married to former Japanese women’s singles star Aya Ohori, Yew Sin marked a memorable return to her homeland by producing one of his finest performances to date, teaming up with Teo Ee Yi to oust world No. 2 and reigning Asian champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik in the opening round of the Japan Open today.
The independent pair outclassed their more fancied compatriots 21-15, 21-15 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, registering only their third win in nine career meetings against their opponents.
Ohori, 29, a former world No. 7, retired from international badminton early this year.
She and Yew Sin were married last month in Melaka.
Aaron-Wooi Yik had entered the Super 750 tournament in sizzling form, having recently captured the Thailand and Singapore Opens and finished runners-up at the Malaysia Masters. Many had tipped them for a deep run in Tokyo, but Yew Sin-Ee Yi had other plans.
Confident, tactically astute, and unshaken by the odds, the world No. 30 delivered a masterclass, suggesting that their form may be turning just in time for the upcoming Olympic qualification push.
With the win, Yew Sin-Ee Yi move into the second round, where they will face Americans Chen Zhi Yi-Presley Smith.
Meanwhile, world No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun also advanced after surviving a marathon first game to beat compatriots Arif Junaidi-Yap Roy King 30-28, 21-12 in 42 minutes.
The Malaysia Masters champions will next take on China‘s Huang Di-Liu Yang in the second round.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
