Malaysia Open: Two Decades On, China Back in Five Finals
For the first time in 20 years, China have a shot at all five titles on offer at the Malaysia Open.
· PREM KUMAR
The Chinese had a splendid day at Axiata Arena – their representatives winning three of the four semifinals against opponents from another country. The only setback was the first Chinese to take to court, women’s pair Li Yi Jing/Luo Xu Min, who lost 21-13 23-21 to in-form Japanese duo Yuki Fukushima/Mayu Matsumoto.
The matches that followed all went China’s way – Wang Zhi Yi sidestepping Pornpicha Choeikeewong 21-16 21-12 before Malaysian hearts were broken by Feng Yan Zhe/Huang Dong Ping and Chen Bo Yang/Liu Yi. Mixed doubles top seeds Feng/Huang defeated Chen Tang Jie/Toh Ee Wei 21-19 21-14 while Chen/Liu overcame Man Wei Chong/Tee Kai Wun 24-26 21-16 21-15.
Two all-China matches took place earlier – the first one won by Jia Yi Fan/Zhang Shu Xian against top seeds Liu Sheng Shu/Tan Ning 19-21 21-16 21-17 in the longest contest of the day that lasted 91 minutes.