LEE Chong Wei cruised into the semi-finals of the Pahang Open but Liew Daren, conqueror of Hafiz Hashim, was sent packing by national back-up player Chan Kwong Beng in Kuantan yesterday.
Chong Wei, the overwhelming favourite, secured a comfortable 21-9, 21-14 win over national teammate Tan Chun Seang in just 25 minutes to secure his semi-final berth.
He will next meet third seed Kuan Beng Hong, who beat elite back-up player Arif Latif 21-15, 14-21, 21-17 in 40 minutes.
The unpredictable form of Liew Daren continued as he lost 21-16, 21-17 to Kwong Beng just a day after a fine win over Hafiz.
Kwong Beng will meet veteran Roslin Hashim, who overcame back-up player Syed Akbar Syed Mustakim 21-11, 21-19, in the last four today.
In the women’s singles, second seed Lydia Cheah advanced to the semi-finals after beating Ooi Swee Wenn 21-14, 21-14 and will next play national junior Tee Jing Yi.
Jing Yi advanced after ousting national junior shuttler Yeow Mie Xi 21-11, 21-9 in the quarter-finals.
Back-up player S. Stephanie Shalini, who benefited from the withdrawal of national senior Wong Mew Choo, will face Sannatasah Saniru, who defeated Ng Sin Zou 12-21, 21-16, 21-13, in the other semi-final.
Results — (All Q-Finals) Men’s Singles: Lee Chong Wei (Pg) bt Tan Chun Seang (Ked) 21-9, 21-14; Kuan Beng Hong (Ked) bt Arif Latif (NS) 21-15, 14-21, 21-17; Roslin Hashim (Sel) bt Syed Akbar Syed Mustakim (Mal) 21-11, 21-19; Chan Kwong Beng (Pk) bt Liew Daren (KL) 21-16, 21-17.
Women’s Singles: Sannatasah Saniru (Sab) bt Ng Sin Zou (Ked) 12-21, 21-16, 21-13; Tee Jing Yi (Pg) bt Yeow Mie Xi (Mal) 21-11, 21-9; Lydia Cheah (KL) bt Ooi Swee Wenn (Ked) 21-14, 21-14.
