Malaysia Masters: Back from the Brink
Facing opponents who were playing only their third match of the year, Zheng Si Wei and Huang Ya Qiong nearly succumbed in what would have been the year’s biggest upset in mixed doubles.
· DEV SUKUMAR
The world No.1 duo were down match point against world No.45 Yang Po-Hsuan/Hu Ling Fang, but overcame the challenge and earned a shot at their sixth successive title.
The challenge from the Chinese Taipei pair was unexpected, for they have never crossed the second round in five previous tournaments. Indeed, they had played only one previous match at the PERODUA Malaysia Masters 2022 as they received two walkovers. Yet, with Hu Ling Fang holding her own at the net and Yang Po-Hsuan unleashing big smashes, the Chinese were under pressure throughout.
It was Zheng’s courage in whipping a crosscourt drive into a corner that saved match point, before a lucky net cord went their way.