Three Malaysian shuttlers from the singles section- Chong Wei Feng, Arif Latif and Goh Jin Wei – have advanced to the semi finals of the SEA Games after surpassing the quarter final hurdle yesterday.
National number one, Chong Wei Feng earned his way through by defeating Indonesia’s Christie Jonatan in an intense match. Wei Feng suffered a mere lost in the opening set 20-22 but bounced back to dominate the following two sets 21-19 and 21-18.
Mohamad Arif Abdul Latif was the second national player to proceed when he downed Thailand’s Boonsak Ponsana 22-20, 19-21 and 21-19.
Wei Feng is set to meet Thailand’s Tanongsak Saensomboosuk in the semi finals today whereas Arif will play against Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew.
Wei Feng claimed that the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) had set a target of four players to make it through the finals.
“The team’s target is four Malaysian acts in the finals, therefore I know that it is my responsibility to assure that happens because the mixed doubles and women’s doubles have a possibility to enter the finals and as for the women’s team, they are already in the finals,” said Wei Feng after the match quoted from Utusan.
Meanwhile, fifteen year-old Goh Jin Wei continued to stun the crowd by ousting world no. 36 Nichaon Jindapon of Thailand in two straight sets to enter the semis. Ranked no.267 in the world, the young powerhouse took on victory with scores 21-16 and 23-21.
“I tried my best, but I ended up surprising everyone. I did not predict such a triumph. Right now, at least I get the chance to deliver a bronze medal for the nation in my SEA Games debut,” said Jin Wei.
“I promise to try my very best to win in the semi finals tomorrow (today) and take part in the finals.”
Jin Wei will next face Indonesia’s Hanna Ramadini, whom previously beat Singapore’s Liang Xiao Yu 21-15, 11-21, 21-14.
Photo credits: gettyimages.com
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