Azriyn-Wee Kiong stun Popov brothers at Japan Open
The world No. 26 staged a remarkable comeback to topple the world No. 18 Popov brothers, Christo and Toma Junior of France, 13-21, 21-17, 21-19 in a pulsating first-round clash at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.
Azriyn-Wee Kiong once again proved their affinity for Japanese soil after having reached the semi-finals of the Kumamoto Masters in Japan last November.
The veteran pair are now likely to face Danish fourth seeds Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen in the last 16 — a daunting test, but one they will relish following the spirited win.
Meanwhile, world No. 42 Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee showed plenty of promise before bowing out 17-21, 21-8, 21-8 to Japan's world No. 6 Rin Iwanaga-Kie Nakanishi.
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