PETALING JAYA: Hoon Thien How-Tan Wee Kiong are on the verge of a major breakthrough after storming into the men’s doubles final of the Macau Open GP Gold on Saturday.
The world No.10 were in their element, crushing Taiwan’s Liang Jui Wei-Liao Kuan Hao 21-18, 21-9 in just 30 minutes.
They stepped on the gas from 16-16 in the first game to ease ahead of the young Taiwanese duo before comfortably sealing their spot in their second consecutive final.
Last month, Thien How-Wee Kiong defied the odds to make their first-ever career final at the China Open. They were, however, beaten by Lee Yong-dae-Yoo Yung-sung in the title playoff.
Thien How-Wee Kiong get another chance to set things right on Sunday. They will take on top seeds Lee Sheng Mu-Tsai Chia Hsin of Taiwan in the final.
Wee Kiong was pleased with the win, saying they were focused and composed despite facing unfamiliar opponents.
“To be honest, we didn’t know our semi-final opponents that well. We just went in there and stuck to our own game and kept our focus throughout.
“It’s definitely one of our better matches this week, but we need to play better in the final.
“It’s also good to be finally playing with some consistency. We are able to maintain our form despite not competing in the Hong Kong Open two weeks ago.
“We’re definitely excited to make two straight finals, but it’s important that we remain focused all the way,” said Wee Kiong.
There was a major upset with Taiwan’s Hsueh Hsuan Yi, ranked 111 in the world, beating China’s Tian Houwei, the Australian Open champion, 21-15, 21-17 in the men’s singles semi-finals.
Canada’s Michelle Li also pulled off an upset win to make her first GP Gold final, beating Hong Kong’s third seeded Yip Pui Yin 21-15, 21-16 in the women’s singles semi-finals.
Another upset saw young China pair Huang Yaqiong-Yu Xiaohan stun second seeds Ko A-ra-Yoo Hae-won of South Korea 21-17, 21-13 to reach the women’s doubles final.
