Unforced errors cost Yao, Shinta
Republic's doubles pair still seeking first title of the year after coming close in M'sia
by Dan Guen Chin
04:45 AM May 07, 2012
JOHOR BAHRU - Singapore's Yao Lei and Shinta Mulia Sari failed to deliver when it mattered, losing 21-18, 21-18 yesterday to Malaysia's Chin Ee Hui and Wong Pei Tty in the women's doubles final at the Yonex Sunrise Malaysia Grand Prix tournament.
At the City Council Indoor Stadium, a string of unforced errors, especially in the second game, saw the Republic's top-seeded duo fritter away their title chances against the second-seeded Malaysian pair.
Particularly disappointing was their inability to close out the second game from a 17-12 lead, and from 18-15, they allowed the Malaysians to score six consecutive points for the straight games victory, and a US$9,840 (S$12,240) winners' cheque. While Chin and Wong have yet to qualify for the 2012 Olympics, world No 13 Yao and Shinta were seeking a confidence booster as the days count down to the Games in July.
"I guess we were just not good enough. We tried so hard but the silly mistakes we made when we leading in the second game contributed to our defeat," said Shinta, who with her partner took home US$4,560.
"Yao Lei and I are disappointed but we must stay focused for the London Olympics. There is a lot of hard work to be done and we need to work on our mental strength."
The five-day tournament also saw the return to form of Malaysia's world No 1
Lee Chong Wei.
The 30-year-old beat Indonesia's Sony Dwi Kuncoro 17-21, 21-18, 21-10 in a 50-minute encounter.
Two weeks ago, Lee lost to South Korea's world No 14 Shon Wan Ho in the final of the Indian Open, and left many wondering if he has fully recovered from the shoulder injury that forced his mid-match withdrawal from the All England final against China's Lin Dan.
But after a slow start, Lee delighted his fans with an attacking display to score his fourth consecutive victory in the tournament.
"I have been very cautious throughout the championship, fearing that my right shoulder injury would flare up again. But it stayed fine and although I will continue with my treatment, today's victory has given me a boost," said Lee who collected a winner's cheque of US$9,000.
"It means I can now play with confidence and execute those full-blooded smashes without worry."
Hosts Malaysia took four of the five titles on offer, including a successful defence of the men's doubles title by Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong, while Goh Liu Ying and Chan Peng Soon won the mixed doubles. Thailand's Busanan Ongbumrungpan defeated Japan's Sayaka Takahashi for the women's singles crown.
A disappointed Shinta (left) and Yao must now focus on the Olympics in July for a shot at glory. TODAY POOL PHOTO
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