KUALA LUMPUR: Top Japanese women’s pair Misaki Matsutomo-Ayaka Takahashi have a poor record against opponents from China.
They are also one of the few top pairs in the world who have yet to bag a Super Series title.
The pair, who reached a career high No. 2 in the world last year before slipping down to fourth, however believe that has kept them hungry and motivated at the highest level.
And Matsutomo-Takahashi have certainly shown that in the Maybank Malaysian Open here.
On Friday, they scored a rare win over Olympic champions Tian Qing-Zhao Yunlei of China in the quarter-finals.
Then on Saturday, they outlasted compatriots Reika Kakiiwa-Miyuki Maeda in 86 minutes to reach the Malaysian Open final for the second straight year.
“We’re obviously very tired … but we just keep pushing ourselves to do better,” said Matsutomo.
Continue reading Japanese pair gets a kick beating the Chinese (pic)