Bangkok: Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia defeated Lee Cheuk Yiu of Hong Kong 19-21, 21-16, 21-17 on Saturday, taking revenge on the Hong Kong player for his crushing defeat in the 2016 Indonesian Masters that was held exactly a month ago in East Kalimantan.
Kuncoro said he learnt from his mistakes last month and was more prepared to defend against Lee’s strong smashes this time.
“In the previous meeting, I couldn’t change the way the match went when I was under pressure. Today, I was able to control the rhythm, and was able to take chances at the end of the game,” said Kuncoro.
Kuncoro will meet local shuttler Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk in the men’s singles final on Sunday. Saensomboonsuk battled past No. 8 seed Kenta Nishimoto of Japan 21-19, 21-16 in the semi-finals.
In women’s competition, Malaysia’s Goh Jin Wei put up a tough fight against No. 3 seed Busanan Ongbamrungphan of Thailand before losing the match 20-23, 13-21 in 49 minutes. Goh also lost to Ongbamrungphan in the final of Indonesian Masters last month.
Ongbamrungphan will clash with Japan’s Aya Ohori for the women’ singles title after the Japanese fought back from a set down to beat No. 4 seed Nitchaon Jindapol of Thailand 21-12, 12-21, 21-17 in another semi-finals.
Malaysia’s mixed doubles pair, Tan Kian Meng/Lai Pei Jing were on course for their second international title after overcoming Puavaranukroh Dechapol/Sapsiree Taerattanachai of Thailand 22-24, 21-17, 21-14 on Saturday to set up a final match up against Tang Chun Man/Tse Ying Suet of Hong Kong next.
