Latest news with #Super500
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
China Open breakthrough fires up Pei Kee-Mei Xing for bigger targets
KUALA LUMPUR: Go Pei Kee-Teoh Mei Xing 's impressive China Open run has fired up their ambitions to win a World Tour title next, whether on Super 300 or Super 500-level tournaments. The world No. 22 reached their first-ever Super 1000 quarter-final in Changzhou yesterday before falling to world No. 9 Jia Yi Fan-Zhang Shu Xian. The Chinese pair, featuring an Olympic champion in Yi Fan, proved too strong, winning 21-7, 21-15 in just 34 minutes. Despite the defeat, the Malaysians left Changzhou with the belief that they can now contend on the World Tour. "I think this has been our best performance of the year so far. Of course, it's a bit disappointing that we couldn't keep it going today," said Mei Xing. "But credit to our opponents — they played really well and we just couldn't match their speed. "Mei Xing noted that Yi Fan-Shu Xian's chemistry has grown significantly since pairing up earlier this season. Friday's loss was Pei Kee-Mei Xing's fourth consecutive defeat to the Chinese combination. "Their rotation and shot selection are more mature now. They're faster, stronger and more tactically complete," she said. "Compared to our last matches, their shots and rotations were sharper and harder to deal with. What we can learn from them is definitely their speed, power, and tactical execution." The China Open marks another step forward in what has been a promising season for Pei Kee-Mei Xing. They also reached the quarter-finals at the Indonesia Masters (Super 500), Orleans Masters and German Open (both Super 300) earlier this year. Their only triumph to date remains the Malaysia Super 100 title in October last year. Buoyed by their form, the pair now hope to challenge for a Super 300 or 500 title before year-end. Their next stop is the Macau Open next week, a Super 300 event where they are seeded fourth. With many top pairs skipping Macau, they will be aiming to ride their momentum all the way. "We hope to build on this momentum. Hopefully in the coming months, we can push for a title at a Super 500 or 300 tournament," said Mei Xing.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Aaron-Wooi Yik, Wei Chong-Kai Wun face off in all-Malaysian quarter-final
KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik will go head-to-head with compatriots and world No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun in an explosive all-Malaysian quarter-final clash at the China Open on Friday — guaranteeing the country a spot in the men's doubles semi-finals. Wei Chong-Kai Wun booked their place in the last eight after battling past compatriots and world No. 25 Nur Azriyn Ayub-Tan Wee Kiong 17-21, 21-17, 21-19 in a tense 57-minute encounter in Changzhou on Thursday. Earlier in the day, Aaron-Wooi Yik saw off France's world No. 20 Christo-Toma Junior Popov 21-17, 21-18 to set up the mouthwatering domestic showdown. The quarter-final will be a rematch of the Malaysia Masters final in May, where Wei Chong-Kai Wun stunned the Olympic bronze medallists to lift the Super 500 crown. The two pairs have met six times on the World Tour, with honours even at three wins apiece. The Popov brothers gave Aaron-Wooi Yik a nervy start and led 15-10 in the opening game, but the Malaysians raised their tempo to wrest back control. "We increased our tempo and speed when the Frenchmen were leading, after we realised we couldn't dominate the front court," said Wooi Yik. "It's a good lesson for us, and we also need to adapt to the draught in the hall more quickly ahead of the quarter-final." Malaysia will have a third men's doubles pair in the quarter-finals — world No. 28 Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, who will take on India's world No. 12 Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty on Friday.
New Straits Times
05-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Arif-Roy King learning to play Fire Dragon's way
KUALA LUMPUR: Men's doubles Arif Junaidi-Yap Roy King are starting to adapt to coach Herry IP's intricate playing philosophy, says national doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky. Rexy admitted the transition has been far from smooth for the world No. 24 since the Indonesian coach, fondly known as the Fire Dragon joined the national set-up in February. "Arif-Roy King were struggling to grasp Herry's detailed tactical style at first. It felt forced at times, especially for Arif, who seemed to lose his identity on court," said Rexy. "He didn't quite understand what kind of game he should be playing, which led to mistakes and a lack of direction." Despite early exits in four of the seven tournaments they've played under Herry, the pair showed glimpses of progress by reaching two quarter-finals and one semi-final. Rexy pointed to their second-round loss at last month's Indonesia Open, where they pushed world No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun to three games as a turning point. "They looked more composed and are slowly regaining confidence," he said. Meanwhile, another national pair, Haikal Nazri-Choong Hon Jian, are still searching for consistency following injury layoffs. Rexy said the world No. 47 returned to action too soon at high-level tournaments, which made it difficult to regain form. "They came back from injury - first Hon Jian, then Haikal - and immediately played in Super 500, 750 and 1000 tournaments. It was extremely tough," he said. "We considered pulling them out of events after the Indonesia Open to focus on training, but they've already missed several tournaments. Sitting out again could slow their progress even more." Rexy believes Haikal, in particular, has lost his usual aggressive spark, a key element of his playing style. "He's not like Arif, who is calm and steady. Haikal needs to play with aggression, that's what gives him confidence," said Rexy. "I reminded him not to lose that edge. It's part of his identity. After being out for almost six months, it's natural to struggle." Rexy cited former world No. 1 Datuk Lee Chong Wei as an example of even the best needing time to rediscover form after a long layoff. "Even Chong Wei needed time after six months away. Haikal-Hon Jian were climbing, then dropped. Now it's about giving them space to rebuild slowly," he added. Both pairs are currently preparing for the Super 750 Japan Open (July 15-20) and the Super 1000 China Open (July 22-27).
New Straits Times
14-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Xin Yee hopes her idols Pearly-Thinaah stay with BAM
KUALA LUMPUR: Rising women's doubles shuttler Ong Xin Yee has her eyes firmly set on a dream debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and is looking to her idols Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah for inspiration. Xin Yee, 19, and partner Carmen Ting are ranked world No. 42 and are making steady progress. The pair have already gained valuable experience playing in top-tier tournaments, including Super 500 and Super 1000 events. Their best showing this year came at last week's Super 1000 Indonesia Open, where they reached the second round — a result that has left the teenager pleasantly surprised. "I didn't expect to reach this level so fast after juniors," said Xin Yee. "But watching and sparring with seniors like Pearly-Thinaah really motivates us." World No. 3 Pearly-Thinaah continue to train under the BA of Malaysia (BAM) banner, despite uncertainties surrounding their future. Their previous contracts expired in December, and although negotiations remain at a standstill, BAM has continued paying their salaries — an indication that both parties may yet find common ground. Xin Yee, meanwhile, remains grateful for their guidance. "Pearly-Thinaah are my idols. We see them win titles like the Thailand Open, and we get inspired to follow in their footsteps," she said. "It's very exciting to train and play with the top players as we can learn a lot from them." Asked if she hopes the senior pair remain under BAM to continue mentoring the next generation, Xin Yee didn't hesitate: "Of course!" With her sights on LA 2028, the teenager remains grounded, choosing to take things one step at a time. "Of course, qualifying for the Olympics is my dream, but I try not to think too far ahead or stress too much. "If I can, I want to play — that's always been the dream." Xin Yee-Carmen are now hoping to break into the world's top 32 by December — a breakthrough that could open the door to higher-level tournaments and a smoother Olympic qualifying path. While acknowledging that there's still a gap between them and the world's elite, Xin Yee is determined to bridge it. "Our ability and standard aren't quite the same yet, but we're chasing the top pairs and hope to be like them one day." With top role models, growing exposure, and a clear dream in mind, Xin Yee is on the right track in her Olympic pursuit.
The Sun
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Rosman to stay focused on LA28
NATIONAL women's badminton doubles head coach Rosman Razak remains focused on preparing top pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics (LA28), despite uncertainty surrounding their status with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM). With the duo's contract with BAM still unresolved following the expiry of their previous deal at the end of last year, speculation has grown that they may turn professional. Rosman, however, said he will continue to give his full commitment as long as the Indonesia Open 2025 runners-up remain under his guidance. 'Whatever the decision or outcome, I will continue serving because I don't know the future. As long as they are still under my training, I will do my best to guide them towards our goal. 'This is why BAM hired me, I will only concentrate on the objective (LA28) only,' he said when met at the training session, here, today. During the Indonesia Open 2025 final last Sunday, the world number four pair pushed world number one and top-seeded Chinese pair Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning to the limit in a thrilling one-hour and 29-minute final before going down 25-23, 12-21, 19-21 at the iconic Istora Senayan venue. Even though they narrowly missed out on the title in the Super 1000 tournament in Jakarta, Rosman, who was delighted with his charges' performance, hoped Pearly-Thinaah would remain consistent in future tournaments. He also noted the pair's progress since he assumed his current role last November, praising their openness to adapting and improving. 'They are willing to listen and adapt because being top pairs is not as easy as people think. There are many other factors which can cause them to rise and fall but they acted professionally,' he said. When asked whether Pearly-Thinaah are improving in higher-tier tournaments, Rosman said the level of quality and pressure remains the same, whether it's a Super 500 or Super 750 event, as the top pairs competing are largely the same across all levels. 'Seriously, I take it Super 500, 750 and 1000 as the same tournament. Pressure is still the same. I cannot say Super 500 and Super 750 are easier and Super 1000 has more pressure, as there's no such thing,' he said.
