IMPRESSIVE: Malaysia’s Chin Wai Kin plays a return against Alcala Mark Shelley of the Philippines during their qualifying round at the Unimas Sports Complex.
KUCHING: Four national shuttlers have qualified for the main draw of the 2012 Maybank International Challenge held at the Unimas Sports Complex here yesterday.
Chin Wai Kin was impressive in the men’s singles qualifiers as he had no problems overcoming Alcala Mark Shelley of the Philippines 21-10, 21-14. Alcala was seeded eighth in the tournament.
It was an all-Malaysian showdown in another men’s single qualifiers between Wong Kin Yik and Jaafa Ikmal Hussai.
Wong was made to work hard by Jaafa as he lost the first set 17-21 before eventually winning 21-14 and 22-20.
In the women’s singles Lim Chiew Sien of Malaysia was victorious when she defeated compatriot S. Kisona 22-20, 21-19. With the win, Lim has also earned a place in the main draw of the tournament.
In another all-Malaysian women’s singles match, M. Thinaah did well to edge second seed Tew Jia Jia 21-12 and 23-21.
In the men’s double, Roysten Habirin and Wee Fook Jong got themselves qualified for the main draw after winning against Kang Yi Gwee and Man Hung Woon 21-19, 21-13. Both pairs are from Malaysia.
As for today (Nov 14), tournament top seed and crowd favourite Muhammad Hafiz Hashim will face off with India’s Akbar Panji.
Another national shuttler Zulfadli Zulkifi on the other hand will meet Christopher Flores of the Philippines.
Highly rated Ramdan Mohmed Misbun will step onto the court today as the young shuttler is currently one of Malaysia’s bright prospects in badminton.
The son of the badminton legend Misbun Sidek was champion in the previous Pahang Open tournament.
All eyes will also be on high-profile national veteran Wong Choon Hann as he takes on Heri Setiawan of Bahrain.
Sannatasah Saniru who top seed in the women’s singles event on the other hand will face Indonesia’s Linda Agnes.
All badminton enthusiasts are welcomed to watch the world’s best shuttlers in action from today. Tickets are priced from only RM10 and limited seats are available.