Ipoh: Top seed Daren Liew and Thomas Cup backup shuttler Goh Soon Huat notched up hard fought victories to reach the Perak Open final on Saturday.
The 27-year-old Daren Liew was stretched to three sets by former world junior champion Zulfadli Zulkiffli before winning 21-16, 20-22, 21-12 in 77 minutes. Goh Soon Huat also had to battle for three grueling, momentum-shifting sets before he finally finished Tan Kian Meng off 21-14, 14-21, 21-19 in 69 minutes to advance to the men’s singles final.
Daren Liew and Goh Soon Huat will set up their first ever career face off in the final on Sunday.
“I lost my focus after leading by 8-4 in the second set, Zulfadli caught up with me and took the second set,” said Daren.
“I had to raise my game after 9-9 in the critical third set to seal the match. I will be prepared for tomorrow’s final” added Daren.
As for Goh Soon Huat who is looking to win his first title at home, promised to put together a complete performance in the final.
“I congratulate Kian Meng for his effort, it was a tough match, but I kind of hung around to win the match.”
“Perak Open is my third final in local tournament. I want to bring my A game tomorrow to make a major breakthrough in my career,” said Soon Huat.
In men’s doubles, Chan Peng Soon-Teo Kok Siang progressed to the final without lifting a racket after Lim Khim Wah-Ow Yao Han pulled out due to injury. Chan-Teo will cross rackets with tournament’s favorite Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong who defeated former internationals Mak Hee Chun-Tan Bin Shen 21-17, 21-16.
Here are other Perak Open final matches on Sunday:
Women’s Singles
Yang Li Lian vs Ho Yen Mei
Mixed Doubles:
Tan Aik Quan-Lai Pei Jing vs Chan Peng Soon-Ng Hui Lin
Women’s Doubles:
Amelia Alicia Anscelly-Soong Fie Cho vs Ng Hui Lin- Vivian Hoo Kah Mun
