National men singles badminton player, Chong Wei Feng, eventually ended his curse through the Russia Open Grand Prix, by progressing to the second round.
Luck has not been on Wei Feng’s side for the past two tournaments, where he has been knocked out in the first round itself, notably in the Canada Open and Taiwan Open.
However, the gold medallist of Singapore SEA Games managed to find his rhythm to defeat Russia’s representative Vladimar Ivanov 21-15, 21-19, yesterday.
Speaking to Arena Metro, the Sungai Petani born shuttler said: “I have been struggling to find the right flow of play, on top of my fitness problems. Ivanov is clearly not a weak player, and I’m delighted to come away with a win.”
“This win has given me enough confidence, but I have to stay focussed. I have to face every match as the final match,” he added.
Wei Feng will face Jan Frohlich of Czech Republic in the second round. He is joined by Zulfadli Zulkiffli, who is also through after crushing another Russian, Grigoriy Martynenko 21-7, 21-3.
Malaysia are still in contention in the men doubles as well, after Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and Mak Hee Chun-Teo Kok Siang recorded wins against their respective opponents.
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