Malaysia’s Korea Open doubles hopes are alive as two men’s pairs stand just one victory away from ending an eight-year wait for a semi-final appearance in Yeosu, South Korea.
Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun, alongside independent pair Chia Wei Jie and Teo Ee Yi, advanced to the quarter-finals on Thursday, November 5, setting up two crucial encounters against Japanese opponents.
Wei Chong and Kai Wun Chase Semi-Final Spot
Third seeds Wei Chong and Kai Wun overcame Taiwan’s Chen Zhi Ray and Lin Yu Chieh 24-22, 21-12 at the Jinnam Stadium.
After surviving a tight opening game, the French Open champions took control of the second to secure their place in the last eight.
They will next face Japan’s Haruki Kawabe and Kenta Matsukawa, ranked world No. 57, for a place in the semi-finals.
The Japanese combination will present another challenge, but the Malaysians have an opportunity to extend their recent strong form.
Wei Jie and Ee Yi Continue Impressive Korea Open Doubles Run
Meanwhile, Wei Jie and Ee Yi maintained their momentum with a convincing 21-9, 21-19 victory over Taiwan’s He Zhi Wei and Huang Jui Hsuan.
The Malaysians completed the win in just 28 minutes, building on their earlier upset of China’s world No. 11 pair Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi.
Their next opponents are former world champions Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi of Japan.
The quarter-final clash represents an important opportunity for Wei Jie and Ee Yi to regain confidence following a disappointing European campaign last month.
Malaysia’s Eight-Year Semi-Final Drought
Malaysia last reached the Korea Open men’s doubles semi-finals in 2018, when Low Juan Shen and Chooi Kah Ming advanced to the last four.
Their campaign ended against Japan’s Hiroyuki Endo and Yuta Watanabe.
The tournament was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Malaysian men’s doubles players have not returned to the semi-finals since.
Now, the Korea Open doubles quarter-finals offer two Malaysian combinations a chance to change that record.
For Wei Chong and Kai Wun, another victory would strengthen their momentum after their French Open triumph.
For Wei Jie and Ee Yi, reaching the last four could mark a significant turnaround in their season.
Two Malaysian pairs, two Japanese opponents, and one opportunity to end an eight-year wait.
Friday’s matches will determine whether Malaysia can finally return to the Korea Open men’s doubles semi-finals.
Explore more Malaysia badminton news on SmashNews88.