Former world number one, Lee Chong Wei ended his opening match of the US Open Grand Prix Gold in a rather comfortable fashion as he defeated Japan’s Kazumasa Sakai in straight sets.
Currently placed 79th in the BWF world ranking, Chong Wei took only 37 minutes to defeat Sakai 21-14 and 21-14 in the Suffolk County Community College, New York.
The 32 year-old is scheduled to meet Denmark’s Rasmus Fladberg, whom downed Austria’s Matthias Almer 21-5 and 21-16, in the next round.
Fellow countryman and independent player Zulfadli Zulkiffli had also made his appearance in the event but was unfortunately ousted by Denmark’s Hans Kristian Vittinghus.
The Dane took an hour and two minutes to ultimately clinch the win from Zulfadli with scores of 19-21, 21-14 and 25-23.
Photo credits: Fox Sports Asia
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