Dubai: Malaysia’s World number one Lee Chong Wei who is eyeing his fifth World Superseries Finals title, bounced back from an unexpected defeat to Son Wan Ho on Wednesday by holding off Angus Ng Ka Long of Hong Kong 21-15, 22-20 in the second Group B match on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters after Thursday’s match, Lee Chong Wei was pleased with his performance given his Day 1 loss on Wednesday.
“I played better than yesterday, but there’s still room for improvement,” said Lee.
“I am looking forward to tomorrow’s match against Viktor Axelsen. I need to prepare better for that match,” added Lee.
Although Lee held a 9-0 head-to-head career record against Axelsen of Denmark, but the Dane is someone who should not be underestimated as Axelsen managed to push Son Wan Ho to three sets on Thursday before bowing out to the Korean, compared to Lee who went down to Son in straight-set on Day 1.
Meanwhile, after her loss to Sun Yu of China on Wednesday, Olympic women’s singles champion suffered another heartbreak and crushing disappointment with her second Group B match defeat to Akane Yamaguchi of Japan 21-18, 17-21, 14-21 in a marathon match that lasted 86 minutes. Marin’s officially ended her campaign in Dubai after her loss on Thursday.
In men’s doubles, Rio de Janeiro Olympics silver medalists Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong won their second Group B match against China’s Li Junhui/Liu Yuchen, prevailing 18-21, 21-19, 21-19 in 58 minutes. Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong will play Chai Biao/Hong Wei of China on Friday in which both teams had already qualified for the semi-finals.
Malaysia’s challenge in the women’s competition fizzled out after Vivian Hoo/Woon Khe Wei lost in straight sets 19-21, 17-21 to Jung Kyung Eun/Shin Seung Chan from South Korea in 40 minutes. The pair had previously lost their first Group B match to Denmark’s Kamilla Rytter Juhl/Christinna Pedersen on Wednesday.
