On this day, 6 years ago, there is a match between SN vs NO in QF Malaysia Open 2013. It was the first meeting between the two. That match was won by SN after NO retired from that match. This forced NO to take a long break due to her injury. Today, SN and NO will meet each other again on court in QF Malaysia Masters 2019. Their H2H record now is 8 - 4 in favor of SN. It is never easy to take on SN. But, I believe that NO can win. The situation is very different compare to their first meeting. SN was the favorite back then. In their first meeting, SN was ranked 2. Now, the situation has changed today. NO is now ranked 2. Hope the luck sides with NO. See this link for the source. 18 January 2013 - QF Malaysia Open - link 18 January 2019 - QF Malaysia Masters - link It is extremely rare to have the two same matches happen on the exact same date, much less happen in the same city.
QUARTERFINAL (03.00pm) => https://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/matches.aspx?id=736FF7F1-4E8D-470A-BE0B-4E3BA6DF7521 MATCH HIGHLIGHTS - Chen Long (CHN) v Anthony Sinisuka Ginting (INA) - Kidambi Srikanth (IND) v Son Wan Ho (KOR) - Tai Tzu Ying (TPE) v Ratchanok Intanon (THA) - Goh Jin Wei (MAS) v He Bingjiao (CHN) - Saina Nehwal (IND) v Nozomi Okuhara (JPN) - Endo/Watanabe (JPN) v Goh VS/Tan WK (MAS) - Ong YS/Teo EY (MAS) v Kamura/Sonoda (JPN) - Fukushima/Hirota (KOR) v Chang YN/Jung KE (KOR) - Watanabe/Higashino (JPN) v Seo SJ/Chae YJ (KOR) - Jordan/Oktavianti (INA) v Puavaranukroh/Taerattanachai (THA) Lee Zii Jia and Liew Daren keep home fans chance alive in the absence of iconic badminton star Lee Chong Wei. Both of them will take on top-ranked opponent this evening, 2017 World Champion Viktor Axelsen and recent All England Champion Shi Yuqi respectively. Promising star Lee ZJ knocks out Kenta Nishimoto who sent packing top contender Kento Momota surprisingly in opening round. Nishimoto couldn’t replicate his mojo to tame local youngster as Lee controlled the match well. Two interesting matches in MS quarterfinals will pit Chen Long versus Anthony Ginting, the Olympic Champion once again beat Asian Games champion Jonatan Christie to secure his last eight berth. Chen only won 2 of 7 encounters against the fast attacking Ginting. Meanwhile former world number one Son Wan Ho has rejuvenated Indian Srikanth Kidambi, both players needed three games to clear their hurdles yesterday. Women’s singles third round line-up is much predictable, only Akane Yamaguchi couldn’t fulfill her seeding position, defeated by Goh Jin Wei. The Malaysian prodigy will up against China sole survivor the lefthander He Bingjiao. Last year final rematch is served earlier in this edition, two skillful shuttlers with their creative shots, Tai Tzu Ying opposes Ratchanok Intanon. Tai had bad start in last sixteen before she found the rhythm to overcome well-improved Line Kjaersfeldt. Other familiar names who eye semifinal spot, second seed Nozomi Okuhara who got stiff resistance by her compatriot Aya Ohori will face newly-wed Saina Nehwal. The Olympic Champion Carolina Marin spent shorter time at court as her rival Gao Fangjieinjured at 6-8 position in second game. Marin is favoured to pass Sung Ji Hyun according her convincing head to head stats, 7-1 for the Spanish sensation. Men’s doubles powerhouse Indonesia withered, four pairs faltered simultaneously at same stage yesterday leaving the always dependable Minions stay on track. Title-holder Alfian/Ardianto lost narrowly in first game then lack of their fine touch in second game to rising stars Aaron Chia/Soh WI. Then similar patters also surged Angriawan/Hardianto who couldn’t convert first set into victory to Japan number two Endo/Watanabe. The notable second round clash saw Kaneko/Inoue prevail in physically demanding match ala women doubles against Nayaka/Santoso that took 85 minutes of play, 19-21 / 30-29 / 21-18. A good day for home fans that three pairs march on into quarters, spearheaded by Goh VS/Tan WK who maintain their winning momentum in Bangkok recently. Only three nations involved in women’s doubles last eight, Korea and Indonesia are trying their best to topple Japan domination here. Upper half draw notices the vast experienced Chang YN/Jung KE barricaded by three JPN combinations, the Koreans will challenge world number one Fukushima/Hirota whom they beat in last two meetings. All three Indonesian pairs concentrate in lower half draw alongside with the Olympic Champion Matsutomo/Takahashi who highly favoured to meet familiar foes Polii/Rahayu tomorrow. Reigning All England Champion Watanabe/Higashino-Seo SJ/Chae YJ encounter is the most intriguing mixed doubles contest to follow. The winner of this tie will take on home pair either Rio OG silver medalists Chan/Goh or Goh SH/Shevon Lai. A good test for Indonesian hopefuls Jordan/Oktavianti to prove their capability, they have tough road to break final here, Puavaranukroh/Taerattanachai and most likely The Adcocks in last four. LIVE TV COVERAGE (COURT 1)
Because MS is the most competitive of five categories, more pressure and intense, the gap between top 20 players isn't too wide.
He took part 21 tournaments in 12 months for 2018 calendar. Now, 29 years Chou TC should be smarter to select which tournament that he can get maximum result.
In MS, we still have Chen Long, Shi Yuqi, and even Lee Chong Wei to compare, sometimes Ginting sudden plays well and make the MS more competitive. We also have Son Wan Ho and Chou Tien Chen, very tough players. In Men's double, Lee Yong Dae and Yoo Yeon Seong were separated, Lee's just come back recently and his partner, Kim, still need time for combination. Fu Haifeng was retired, Boe/Mog is quite old. Tai Tzu Ying will be challenged this year. ^-^, many players was improved
Higashino's defence was improve, faster reaction in fast condition. I don't know what Japan coach do in last 2 weeks, many of players played better than last year
NO was taking too much pressure in the match against SN. Nozomi was literally getting frustrated every time she was losing a point. SN played well to come from behind in both the games.
