Lee Chong Wei - Singapore Open 2014 badminton

Malaysia's hope of a Singapore Open double was ruined when the only world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei was left to hold the fortress.


While Chong Wei cleared his path into the men's singles semi-finals on Friday, his countrymen and national No. 1 men's doubles pair Hoon Thien How and Tan Wee Kiong failed to go with the same pattern in the wake of losing 16-21, 14-21 in only 29 minutes to Taiwan's Lee Sheng-mu and Tsai Chia-hsin.

Top seed and 2008 Singapore Open champion Chong Wei was not in the inclination to mess around when he discarded Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk of Thailand 21-8, 21-14 in only 30 minutes in the quarter-finals.

He will now face India's 20-year-old K. Srikanth, who is dubbed to be the nation's next super star.

World No. 25 Srikanth proceeded his chivalrous run in the fifth leg of the Superseries when he fought his route to a 17-21, 21-14, 21-19 win over Hu Yun of Hong Kong in 63 minutes.

Chong Wei has played against Srikanth once, whipping the Indian in straight amusements in the opening match at last year's Hong Kong Open.

This time, the three-time All-England champion, Chong Wei can want more safety if Srikanth's amazing form is anything go by.

With just Chong Wei left in the tournament, Malaysia's six-year hold up for a twofold triumph in the Singapore Open continues.

It will be remembered that in 2008, Malaysia won the singles through Chong Wei and the doubles through Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif and Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari.
The other men's singles semi-finals will be between China's Du Pengyu and a resurgent Simon Santoso of Indonesia.

Malaysia’s national doubles coach, Pang Cheh Chang said that Thien How and Wee Kiong tumbled down because “their game at the front court was a letdown.”

Cheh Chang said, “They have beaten the Taiwanese players before (at last year’s Macau Open), this time their opponents raised their game and played with a better strategy.”

“The Taiwanese duo were impressive at the front court and broke Wee Kiong’s rhythm.

Wee Kiong’s usual good control at the net lacked quality today,” added Cheh Chang.