Macau: Malaysia’s Eogene Ewe saw his impressive Macau Open campaign come to an end in the men’s singles semifinals after losing in straight games to China’s Hu Zhe An on Saturday.
The world No. 80 Malaysian, who was the country’s last remaining men’s singles representative, went down 15-21, 18-21 to the 2024 World Junior Championships men’s singles champion in the BWF World Tour Super 300 badminton tournament.
The defeat also means Eogene has now lost all three of his meetings against Hu. However, his semifinal run in Macau still marks the best Super 300 result of his career.
The 21-year-old had already made progress earlier in the week by defeating former Malaysian national player Cheam June Wei in the second round and then upsetting Singapore’s second seed Jason Teh Jia Heng in the quarterfinals.
Although Eogene missed out on a first Super 300 final, his performance in Macau won praise from many Malaysian badminton fans. His sharper movement, improved confidence, and willingness to attack showed signs that he is developing into a stronger challenger on the BWF World Tour.
Hu Zhe An Controls the Opening Game
Hu started the match with better control, using patient rally construction and sharp front-court play to create attacking chances.
After the score was tied at 2-2, the Chinese player put together a run of points to move ahead 7-3. Both players made errors in the opening game, but Eogene appeared more rushed as Hu steadily widened the gap.
At 17-9, Hu looked firmly in control. Eogene tried to raise the tempo late in the game and became more aggressive in attack, but the gap was already too wide. Hu closed out the opener 21-15.
Eogene Pushes Hard in Second Game
The second game was much more competitive. Hu continued to work the net well and looked for chances to counterattack, but Eogene began to find more rhythm in his movement and offense.
After the score reached 6-6, a few errors from Eogene allowed Hu to pull ahead 10-6. The Malaysian refused to fade, increasing the pace and producing several strong overhead attacks to draw level at 12-12.
From there, the contest became tight, with both players fighting hard for control of the front court. Eogene was more proactive in attack, but he also gave away more errors, while Hu relied on steadier defense and quick counterattacks.
At 17-17, Hu seized the key moment by winning two straight points. Eogene had chances late in the game, but a few rushed shots cost him dearly. Hu stayed composed to take the second game 21-18 and secure a place in the final.
Hu Zhe An Reaches First Super 300 Final
For Hu, the victory was another milestone. The Chinese youngster reached his first Super 300 final and continued to build on the reputation he earned as the 2024 world junior champion.
His win over Eogene followed an impressive quarterfinal victory over Dong Tian Yao, who had recently finished runner-up at the Australia Open.
Hu’s controlled style and ability to stay calm in the key rallies made the difference in both matches, and he now has the chance to win one of the biggest senior titles of his young career.
Kim Ga Eun Sets Up All-Korean Women’s Singles Final
In women’s singles, China’s Han Qian Xi was unable to reach the final after losing a three-game battle to South Korea’s top seed Kim Ga Eun.
Han fought hard, but Kim’s experience and pace proved decisive. The Chinese player struggled whenever Kim raised the tempo, often being forced into defensive positions and longer recovery rallies.
Kim took the opening game before Han responded in the second. However, the Korean top seed managed her energy well and accelerated again in the deciding game to seal the win.
South Korea enjoyed a strong women’s singles campaign in Macau, sending five players into the draw, with four reaching the quarterfinals. The event will now finish with an all-Korean women’s singles final as Kim Ga Eun faces teammate Park Ga Eun.
Ong Xin Yee-Carmen Ting Miss Out on Final
Malaysia’s hopes of seeing a representative reach the final through women’s doubles also ended when Ong Xin Yee and Carmen Ting lost in the semifinals.
The young Malaysian pair fell 18-21, 13-21 to China’s Bao Li Jing and Cao Zi Han at the Macau East Asian Games Dome.
Ong and Ting stayed competitive in the opening game but were unable to turn the pressure into a lead. Once the Chinese pair settled into the match, they became more dominant in the second game and closed out the win in straight games.
Hoo Pang Ron-Lai Pei Jing Pushed China’s World No. 2 Pair
Malaysia’s professional mixed doubles pair Hoo Pang Ron and Lai Pei Jing also fell short of the final, losing to China’s world No. 2 pair Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Xin.
Hoo and Lai were beaten 11-21, 22-24, but their second-game fightback gave them something positive to take from the match.
After struggling in the first game, the Malaysian pair played with more courage and better control in the second. They pushed the Chinese pair into extra points before Jiang and Wei held firm to complete the victory.
Despite the defeat, Hoo and Lai’s run to the semifinals was encouraging, especially as they only formed their partnership last month.
Malaysian Men’s Doubles Pairs Bow Out
Malaysia’s two remaining men’s doubles pairs also failed to reach the final.
Chia Wei Jie and Teo Ee Yi were beaten 4-21, 11-21 by South Korea’s Jin Yong and Lee Jong Min. The Malaysian pair never found their rhythm and struggled to handle the Korean pair’s pace and pressure.
Low Hang Yee and Ng Eng Cheong also exited in straight games, losing 12-21, 12-21 to Indonesia’s Ali Faathir Rayhan and Devin Artha Wahyudi.
Both Malaysian pairs had enjoyed strong runs to the semifinals, but the step up in intensity proved difficult on semifinal day.
Malaysia Leaves Macau With Encouraging Signs
Malaysia did not manage to place a player or pair in the Macau Open finals, but the tournament still produced several positive badminton news storylines.
Eogene Ewe’s semifinal run was the biggest highlight, as the young men’s singles player achieved his best result at Super 300 level and showed clear signs of growth.
Hoo Pang Ron-Lai Pei Jing also continued to build chemistry in mixed doubles, while Ong Xin Yee-Carmen Ting gained valuable experience from a deep run in women’s doubles.
For Eogene, the loss to Hu Zhe An will be a lesson, but his week in Macau should give him confidence that he can compete deeper into BWF World Tour events.
