Team Malaysia is off to a great start in the New Zealand Open Grand Prix Gold as three representatives have successfully made it to the second round of the tournament.
Liew Daren, whom left the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) not long ago, managed to defeat Taiwan’s Liu Wei Che in two straight sets 21-17 and 21-13 within 34 minutes in the North Shore Events Centre in Auckland yesterday. The former Thomas Cup shuttler will next face South Korea’s Son Wanho, whom ousted the host player Xiao Yang easily to 21-5 and 21-3.
Goh Soon Huat also advanced to the next round as he comfortably secure his slot after thrashing Kiwi Andrew Rouse 21-4 and 21-8. He will be playing against Taiwan’s Yu Jen Chi tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Soo Teck Zhi received a first-round bye and is scheduled to meet Low Pit Seng of New Zealand for his first match.
Youth champion Zulfadli Zulkiffli was forced to pull out from the tournament while mixed doubles duo Goh Liu Ying and Chan Peng soon will begin their bid when they play against Taiwan’s Ko-chu Chang and Hsin Tien Chang tomorrow.
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