KUALA LUMPUR: A pep talk from coach Herry IP proved decisive as men’s pair Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun survived a roller-coaster first-round at the China Masters today.
The world No. 8 defeated France’s world No. 17 Popov brothers, Toma Junior and Christo 21-11, 25-27, 21-15 at the Shenzhen Arena.
Wei Chong-Kai Wun looked sharp in the opening game, but lost their rhythm midway through the second.
A string of unforced errors gave the Popovs renewed belief, forcing the tie into a rubber after the Malaysians failed to convert two opportunities to close it out.
Sensing their nerves, Herry, during the interval before the third game, urged Wei Chong-Kai Wun to stay brave and focused.
The advice struck a chord as the duo tightened their play and regained the initiative against their French opponents.
“Wei Chong and I just needed to be more focused and braver,” said Kai Wun.
“Coach reminded us that it was already a rubber game — win or lose, that’s it. So we went in with that mindset and tried to finish strongly.”
Subsequently, the Malaysians rediscovered their attacking sharpness and steadied their defence to keep the Popovs at bay. They eventually sealed the match in 58 minutes.
Meanwhile, world No. 19 women’s doubles Go Pei Kee-Teoh Mei Xing were dumped out of the tournament by China‘s world No. 9 Li Yi Jing-Luo Xu Min, 21-19, 12-21, 21-19.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
