Good news as two men's doubles pairs assured of q-finals spots
PETALING JAYA: Even before the second-round matches get underway tomorrow (June 5), Malaysia are already assured of having at least two men's doubles pairs in the quarter-finals of the Indonesian Open.
World No. 1 duo Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani will face veterans Tan Wee Kiong-Nur Azriyn Ayub, while Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun are set to take on Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi in another all-Malaysian clash.
For Wee Kiong-Azriyn, there was a sense of relief after they finally cleared the opening round on Tuesday, defeating China's Xie Haonan-Zeng Weihan 21-17, 21-12.
The pair had suffered seven consecutive first-round exits since the German Open in February. Ironically, the last time they progressed beyond the first round was also in Jakarta, at the Indonesia Masters on January where they were stopped by the same Chinese pair.
'Our last meeting with Haonan-Weihan was here in Indonesia, so we didn't have much confidence at the start. But after a few rallies, Azriyn found his rhythm. He led the way today (Tuesday) and we got back on track,' said Wee Kiong in an interview with BWF.
'For me, it's about using my experience to guide us. I let Azriyn do most of the court coverage as we try to close the gap with the top pairs. Hopefully, we can keep up this momentum.'
Wee Kiong, 36, and Azriyn, 31, know they are no longer in their prime, but beyond chasing victories, they are also looking to enjoy the matches they play.
In their past three meetings, Wee Kiong-Azriyn have only beaten Sze Fei-Izzuddin once, during the second round of the Kumamoto Masters last year. However, in their most recent clash at the Indian Open in March, they fell to the younger pair.
'At our age, we're still trying to achieve something. Of course, we want to enjoy the game and create something special in our careers.
'We've managed to clear the first hurdle, but we have to stay focused,' he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
England and Spain dominate UEFA Euro 2025 women's team of tournament
FOUR players each from both finalists were named in UEFA's team of the tournament for the Women's Euro on Monday, as Spain's golden boot winner Esther Gonzalez was sidelined in favour of England strikers Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly. Russo scored the equaliser for England in Sunday's final and Kelly netted the winning penalty, helping her country secure their second European championship in a row. Kelly's strike late in extra time helped England beat Italy in the semi-finals. Germany's Jule Brand, who scored two goals and provided two assists for the semi-finalists, was also included among the strikers. Player of the tournament Aitana Bonmati featured in an all-Spanish midfield, while Hannah Hampton, whose heroics during the penalty shootout ensured victory for England, was picked as the custodian. The Women's Euros 2025 team of the tournament is as follows: Goalkeeper: Hannah Hampton (England). Defenders: Lucy Bronze (England), Irene Paredes (Spain), Elena Linari (Italy), Franziska Kett (Germany). Midfielders: Patri Guijarro (Spain), Aitana Bonmati (Spain), Alexia Putellas (Spain)
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Making global companies pay up
PUTRAJAYA: A cross-border insolvency legal framework will ensure that Malaysia is equipped to handle insolvency cases involving multiple countries, says the government. The Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of the Prime Minister's Department said the Cross-Border Insolvency Bill 2025 aims to facilitate foreign access to Malaysian courts, recognise international proceedings and foster judicial cooperation. Once passed, companies with debts to be paid will not only have its local entity be liable, but its foreign branches too. The law would also apply to foreign companies in debt overseas but with branches in Malaysia. Currently, companies can claim they are unable to pay their debts, despite having assets and cash in other countries. The Bill was tabled for its first reading yesterday in the Dewan Rakyat by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. BHEUU deputy director-general of the law reform section, Thiyagu Ganesan said that without a clear system, dealing with assets and creditors across borders can become messy, unfair and unpredictable. 'Most of the time, when disputes occur, companies would transfer their assets here and there. With such a law in place, business operators would know where to go to settle their disputes. 'Apart from allowing creditors to collect their dues, this law would also enable companies to preserve necessary assets to ensure continuity of businesses. 'In today's global economy, businesses often operate in many countries. This creates challenges when they face financial trouble. 'To ensure stability, to protect investors and handle business failures smoothly, a fair and efficient process is essential,' said Thiyagu. The Bill, however, explicitly excludes individual bankruptcies, limited liability partnerships, non-commercial government-related entities, and specific financial sector entities already governed by specialised regulations. 'There are safeguards for national interest assets, for example utilities or energy-related assets which may cause a shutdown of the country,' he added. Thiyagu, who is also the Chair of the Cross-Border Insolvency Reform Working Committee, said that MPs from both government and opposition parties have been briefed and consulted prior to the tabling of the Bill. He said that Malaysia felt the urgent need to reform its cross-border insolvency laws in line with international standards. It is also proof of Malaysia's intentions to prioritise ease of doing business. 'The Bill is a mirror of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency. 'Historically, Malaysia's framework relied on Common Law, leading to inconsistencies that this comprehensive statutory framework will address. 'This internationally recognised framework provides a clear, predictable and fair process for handling insolvency cases involving multiple countries,' he added. Thiyagu said the Bill is expected to bring significant benefits, including enhanced legal certainty through consistent rules, stronger international cooperation between Malaysian and foreign courts and insolvency representatives. 'This will reinforce creditor protection (for both domestic and international parties) and boost investor confidence. 'The streamlined processes will minimise cost and do away with inconsistent multi-jurisdictional proceedings.' He said any conflicting provision shall be subject to prevailing Malaysian laws on corporate insolvency. He added the High Court will be the central authority for all cross-border insolvency matters. The High Court will also have discretion to reject recognition or relief if it conflicts with Malaysia's 'public policy', a flexible concept left undefined to adapt to evolving national interests, security or fundamental legal principles. 'High Court permission will be mandatory before Malaysian assets of an insolvent company can be transferred to foreign jurisdictions. 'The Court will also have the discretion to allocate a portion of these assets for local creditors, particularly small and medium enterprises, for claims below a yet-to-be-determined threshold, acknowledging their vital role in Malaysia's economy. 'While initially focused on corporate insolvency, the law is intended to expand to individual insolvency in a phased approach, if it is needed,' said Thiyagu. The Bill will undergo its second reading today.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Roaring with pride on world stage
Dazzling display: The Catholic High School Petaling Jaya Alumni Association Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe wowing the crowd at the 15th Genting World Lion Dance Championship at the Arena of Stars in Genting Highlands. GENTING HIGHLANDS: Malaysia finished third in the 15th Genting World Lion Dance Championship held at the Arena of Stars here. The final featured nine teams from Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Myanmar, China and Taiwan, vying for the title. Making their debut in the competition, the Catholic High School Petaling Jaya Alumni Association Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe scored 9.59 points, earning them US$6,000 (RM25,300), a trophy, and medals presented by Transport Minister Anthony Loke. Troupe member Michael Oh Head said the team felt the pressure of representing Malaysia, but gave their best. 'We will continue to train for better results and hope for more chances to represent Malaysia and bring glory to the country,' he said after the prize-giving ceremony yesterday. Two other Malaysian teams, Kwong Ngai Lion Dance and Malaysia Xuan Long Dragon and Lion Dance Rawang Selangor, also made the finals. The Kwong Ngai Lion Dance troupe emerged seventh with 8.89 points, while the team from Rawang had to withdraw after a team member sustained a leg injury, reported Bernama. Malaysian Lion Dance Association advisor Siow Ho Phiew said he was proud of the national teams' achievements, and that reaching the final was a significant accomplishment. 'When it comes to major championships, we must work hard to become world champions.' The Genting championship saw Singapore B, represented by Yi Mei Athletic Association, crowned champion with 9.78 points while their counterparts, Singapore A, also represented by the same association, finished second with 9.66 points. They received US$18,000 (RM75,900) and US$10,000 (RM42,200) respectively, along with trophies and medals. Resorts World Genting sales, marketing and public relations executive vice-president Spencer Lee said this year's competition stood out for its creative use of props and storytelling, transforming lion dance into a high-endurance sport. 'We hope lion dance will one day become an international sport, featured in the SEA Games, Asian Games or even the Olympic.' The event was organised by Resorts World Genting and Selangor and Federal Territory Dragon and Lion Dance Federation.
