C’WEALTH GAMES SF – XD saves Malaysia’s golden chance

By Michael Burke, Badzine Correspondent, live from Glasgow.  Photos: Yohan Nonotte for Badmintonphoto (live).

The morning semi final did not disappoint as the opening end went to a deciding rubber as Tan Wee Kiong and Goh Wei Shem held off Chrisnanta and Triyachart.

Speaking after, Tan said, “Our first and third games were good, but they were better and we let them catch up from 16-12 in the second, we made too many mistakes.”

With the early pressure on however, Singapore responded well as Xiaoyu Liang (pictured left) dominated her early match against Tee Jing Yi. The second was closer, with some incredible rallies, but last night’s heartbreaker could not double her effort.

Liang was happy with her performance, “I tried my best to just worry about my game, I hope the team can carry it on though. Her ranking is higher, and I am younger, just trying to do my best.”

On the incredible fight back, which saw the second game sealed 22-20, “I lost my patience in the second game and made too many mistakes. I had to regroup and focussed on chasing every point.”

Chong Wei Feng (pictured right) laid the challenge down again for Malaysia with an assured performance against Derek Wong, but was quick to recognise the game was not up.

“I’m very happy to get a point, but the women’s doubles will be crucial, if it goes to 2-all it will be very tough.”

The women’s doubles game went the way of the Singaporeans, with Sari speaking of her happiness at saving the match.

Lei Yao continues, “We’ve played them a few times but lost to them at the South East Asia Games. We’re happy to get our point and it boosts our confidence for the individuals.”

So it came down to the final match in the mixed, where Malaysia had stumbled against Scotland the night before. The pairs traded ends, but Chan Peng Soon / Lai Pei Jing (pictured left) held their nerve to win the tie.

The Malaysians had a slow start to the encounter which Lai put down to nerves. “We were a bit worried and under pressure in the first match as it was the deciding game, but we got more confident.”

Chan continued, “We corrected our strategy and had to fight to the end.” On their chances, “This is a good chance and a challenge for the younger generation, we still haven’t finished yet, we must do this for the nation.”

The full results for the first semi final can be found here.