KUALA LUMPUR: Men’s pair Man Wei Chong–Tee Kai Wun were the only Malaysian survivors at the Hylo Open after booking a semi-final spot as top seeds Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik crashed out in Saarbrücken, Germany on Friday.
World No. 5 Wei Chong–Kai Wun produced a tactically superior performance to topple the high-riding Fajar Alfian–Shohibul Fikri 26-24, 21-19 in their first meeting against the Indonesian world No. 19.
Fajar–Rian had been on a roll after finishing runners-up in their last three tournaments — the Korea, Denmark and French Opens — but were unable to shake the confidence of Wei Chong–Kai Wun in a 44-minute last-eight encounter.
However, world No. 2 Aaron–Wooi Yik’s struggles in Germany continued as they were beaten 11-21, 21-14, 21-17 by Indonesian world No. 11 Sabar Karyaman–Moh Reza Pahlevi in 56 minutes.
Aaron–Wooi Yik failed to repeat their quarter-final victory over the Indonesian pair at the French Open last week.
Sabar–Reza, who are without a title this year, will be pushing for victory against Wei Chong–Kai Wun, with the Indonesians having a 2-1 head-to-head record against the Malaysians.
However, Wei Chong–Kai Wun’s fine form should give them a shot at their third title on the World Tour after claiming the Indonesia Masters in January and the Malaysia Masters in May.
The last meeting between the two pairs at the Indonesia Open semi-final in June ended in favour of Sabar–Reza, but Wei Chong–Kai Wun will be determined to secure their third final appearance on the World Tour with another clinical performance.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
