Malaysia’s men’s singles received a much-needed lift as young shuttlers Eogene Ewe and Mohd Faiq Masawi–Lok Hong Quan made notable strides in the latest world rankings after strong performances at the Malaysian International Challenge.
Eogene, 20, jumped six places to reach a career-best world No. 74 after securing the title in Ipoh on Sunday. He edged compatriot Lee Jan Jireh in a close contest, adding his second senior crown of the season following his earlier success at the Slovenian Open in May.
His recent rise has also seen him overtake world No. 79 Cheam June Wei, making him the fifth highest-ranked Malaysian men’s singles player, sitting behind Leong Jun Hao (No. 25), Justin Hoh (No. 37), Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin (No. 43), and Lee Zii Jia (No. 52).
For Malaysia’s struggling men’s singles department, Eogene’s progress comes as a timely boost.
National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen praised his charge’s ability to deliver under pressure:
“I’m very pleased with Eogene’s performance in the Malaysian International Challenge. A full week of handling the pressure and expectations, and he came out on top. He also gained valuable lessons from the tournament.”
Eogene will now aim to extend his form at the Vietnam Open from Sept 9–14.
Meanwhile, in the men’s doubles, Faiq and Hong Quan made their breakthrough by soaring 31 spots from No. 118 to No. 87, following their runner-up finish to Japan’s Keiichiro Matsui–Katsuki Tamate.
Although they missed out on their maiden senior title, the 19-year-olds impressed with their fearless displays and are seen as potential successors to world No. 2 pair Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik in the future.
Their next challenge will be the China Masters from Sept 2–7.
