Latest news with #IndonesiaOpen
New Straits Times
15 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Wei Chong-Kai Wun shrug off Istora jeers, eye stronger comeback
KUALA LUMPUR: Men's doubles ace Tee Kai Wun is not losing sleep over the hostile reception he and Man Wei Chong received during their Indonesia Open semi-final recently. The world No. 7 were jeered by a packed Istora Senayan crowd when they took on home favourites Sabar Karyaman Gutama–Moh Reza Pahlevi in Jakarta. The Malaysians eventually went down 21-18, 12-21, 21-18. But rather than dwell on the incident, Kai Wun is choosing to take it in stride. "I didn't see it as a big deal. The home fans were probably just trying to support their players by getting into our heads and disrupting us mentally — that's normal," said the 25-year-old after a training session on Friday. "But honestly, we've never experienced anything quite like that — at least not to that extent. It was overwhelming, but definitely something we can learn from and try to handle better moving forward. "Maybe the crowd was trying to break our momentum, especially since we had done quite well in the last two tournaments in Indonesia. But it's part and parcel of playing in front of a passionate crowd. We accept it. "It's really not a huge problem. Every player goes through this kind of pressure at some point in their career. Other major tournaments — like the World Championships — can be just as intense. Ultimately, it's on us to manage the situation and stay focused." Known for its deafening atmosphere, the iconic Istora has long been regarded as one of the toughest arenas for visiting players, especially Malaysians, due to the longstanding rivalry between the two nations. Despite the semi-final exit, Wei Chong-Kai Wun have been enjoying a resurgence of form. After a string of four early exits since March, the duo roared back to life by winning the Malaysia Masters Super 500, reaching the quarter-finals of the Singapore Open Super 750, and making the semi-finals of the Indonesia Open Super 1000 — all in the space of three weeks. "We've got a month to prepare for Japan and China," said Kai Wun, referring to the back-to-back Japan Open (Super 750) and China Open (Super 1000) next month. "We need to fix our shortcomings from the past tournaments. We have to push ourselves in training, no matter how tough, and make the most of the next few weeks. "We're definitely a better pair than we were in past years, but we've got to work hard to keep this going and stay consistent. We can't afford to let our guard down and flop in Japan — that would undo all that we've built recently. "If we want to move up in the world rankings, we have to start getting better results at the Super 750 and Super 1000 events. We'll get our chance to do that next month."
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Shuttler Aaron welcomes Super 1000 boost
KUALA LUMPUR: Aaron Chia has welcomed the Badminton World Federation's (BWF) proposal to increase prize money for its Super 1000 tournaments, but is cautiously optimistic about other sweeping changes. BWF aims to revamp four of its prestigious events — the All England, Indonesia Open, China Open and Malaysia Open. From 2027, these majors are expected to be extended from the current six-day format to 11, which is aimed at improving player welfare and fan engagement. Among the proposals are introducing an Olympic-style format — combining group stages with a knockout round — for singles events. The proposed changes were outlined in an "Expression of Interest" document, briefly available on the BWF website. The document has since been taken down. Aaron said: "Increasing the prize money is, of course, a good thing for all the players, and I hope they can increase it even more," said Aaron, who won the 2022 World Championships with Soh Wooi Yik. "I think it's a good move, for sure. As for the other changes, we have to try them first and see how it goes." Aaron said the 11-day format could benefit players as it would allow more recovery time for them between matches. "It's better for players to have more rest and recovery before every match so that every player can perform well. But we haven't tried it yet, so let's see," he said.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
Unnati Hooda interview: ‘It's my own distinct journey. I'm not taking pressure to be the next Sindhu'
Haryana teenager Unnati Hooda has moved to India's No 3 spot in women's singles, ranked No 37 behind PV Sindhu and Malvika Bansod. Much is expected of the 17-year-old from Rohtak, with a spunky attacking style, and nonchalance about the reputation of opponents, which was in evidence when she took a set off World No 2 Wang Zhi Yi at the Indonesia Open. In an interaction with The Indian Express, Hooda talks about how momentums flip when playing the Top 10, a possible timeline for when she could beat PV Sindhu, the (non) pressure of comparisons with Saina Nehwal, and her love for reading psycho-thrillers. Excerpts : What's it like to play a Top 10 opponent – you led Word No 6 Tomoka Miyazaki 18-15 and took a set off No 2 Wang Zhi Yi? Unnati Hooda: It's different because there's no pressure. But you have to adjust to conditions, change pace, and counter them strategically, pushing me into corners. Against Tomoka, I led 18-15 in Taipei semis, but she suddenly changed her game. It had been defensive until then, but the pace went up and I made a mistake on a midcourt shuttle which I wouldn't otherwise. Against Wang Zhi Yi, I took points on a streak and lost them on a streak. I need patience in trying to keep control over them. My footwork has never been perfect, I'm trying to change it gradually. Is it a strength/power issue? Unnati Hooda: I've got a Strength & Conditioning trainer at Rohtak thanks to Reliance Foundation, so my drills go beyond running and agility now. Gym training plays a huge role, but I only started on weights six months ago so I'm slowly building strength which will improve my performance. Playing power shots needs endurance. I can't be running impatiently and need to maintain an attacking style in third set. My nutrition routines are changing with more protein, due to experts. I'm a vegetarian and have relied on milk, chanaa, roti, subji (vegetable), paneer. We are also working on recovery. And I'm working with a psychologist to improve my mindset on the last 2-3 points. How did badminton happen? Unnati Hooda: Started playing in the streets of my neighbourhood at eight, got enrolled at an academy and was district champion by 10. My interest was in studies, reading, dancing, and drawing, so badminton was the only sport I tried. My father (Upkar Hooda) was inclined but never got the same opportunities, so he stopped playing. I come from a family of PhDs and never had to be scolded to do homework. I still play doubles because it helps my service and midcourt game and quick changes from defence to offence. For the moment I'm on the right track at Rohtak, but maybe I will think of training at bigger academies in the future. Will you be at the World Juniors hosted by India in 2026? Unnati Hooda: It will be my last year. I would love to compete but there are many good players so I'll have to see if I win trials. There's good competition with Anmol (Kharb), Rakshitha Sree, Devika (Sihag) and Tanvi (Sharma). We are all upcoming. Who are your role models? Unnati Hooda: Not one specifically. I like Saina for her retrieval, Sindhu for her aggression and follow up, An Se-young for her fighting spirit, Tai Tzu-ying for deception, and Ratchanok Intanon for her net game quality. Is there pressure to match Saina, Sindhu? Unnati Hooda: I try to keep it same whether it's playing No 1 or No 2. Stick to the plan. I'm not taking pressure to be the next Sindhu. It's my own distinct journey. I definitely need to achieve what they did, but I'm aware it will be a difficult journey. But uniquely mine. How soon do you think you can beat Sindhu? Unnati Hooda: (LAUGHS) That's a trick question. It might be a tricky question. We are competing not just against Sindhu, but the whole world. We practice for every match. At Syed Modi, I faced her and she was quite attacking. You got to have a very good defense to pick her smashes. But there is a chance. There are areas. I need to be strategically at my best. But can't put a timeline. You have a couple of Super100 titles and semis at Super 300 (Taiwan, last month). Any haunting losses? Unnati Hooda: Losing to Tomoka after that 18-15 lead hurts. But also at German Open, in quarters against Riko Gunji of Japan (Hooda lost 21-15, 23-25, 22-24 after being 18-16 up in the second), the match went beyond 1 hour 20 minutes (84 mins), and I had a chance on one point which keeps playing in my mind. I'm working on not repeating mistakes. What's life like besides badminton? Unnati Hooda: I watch some movies. But I love reading biographies and thrillers that take my mind off badminton. These days I'm reading a psycho thriller and murder mystery, Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Pang Ron pleads to stay with injured partner Su Yin
KUALA LUMPUR: Mixed doubles shuttler Hoo Pang Ron believes he and partner Cheng Su Yin should stick together but says the final decision lies with the national coaches. The world No. 13 have struggled with both form and fitness in recent months, with Su Yin sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained at the Thailand Open last month. The injury forced them to withdraw from three major tournaments — the Malaysia Masters, Singapore Open and Indonesia Open. However, their dip in form began even before Su Yin's setback. Featured Videos Since reaching the final of the China Masters last November — their career-best showing — Pang Ron-Su Yin have suffered five first-round exits in nine tournaments this year. Their best performances this year were quarter-final finishes at the Orleans Masters and Indonesia Masters. "I don't think we should split," said Pang Ron. "But of course, if the coaches or management feel it's necessary to make changes, then who knows." The 27-year-old admitted he's been disappointed with their performances since their breakthrough in China. "Our level dropped after the China Masters. Maybe other pairs have started to analyse and figure out our game." For now, Pang Ron says Su Yin's recovery remains the top priority, with their participation in the Japan Open (July 15-20) still up in the air. "She's coming back slowly. We're not rushing things because it could worsen the injury. We're taking it step by step. Nothing is confirmed yet," he said. More than just tactics, Pang Ron believes a mental reset is vital to bounce back. "The most important thing is our mindset. We've made a final before, but since then, we've had too many early exits. "Maybe it's time to start from scratch." He added that they're actively working with the coaching team to improve. "We're discussing how to get better. We need more variation in our gameplay as just doing the same things isn't enough." Despite the setbacks, Pang Ron views the break as a much-needed chance to regroup. "This could be a blessing in disguise. We hadn't been winning for a while, and mentally we were down. Hopefully, this time off helps us reset and come back stronger."
The Star
13-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Ee Wei says she's starting to click again with Tang Jie
Toh Ee Wei.–KAMARUL ARIFFIN/THE STAR KUALA LUMPUR: National mixed doubles shuttler Toh Ee Wei says she is finding her rhythm again with partner Chen Tang Jie after they were reunited in April. However, she said there was still a lot of work to be done before she and Tang Jie could restore their performance to its previous peak. "At the Singapore Open, we didn't perform well. But we tried to get our focus back at the Indonesia Open, and we entered the semi-finals," said Ee Wei after a training session at Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) here today (June 13). "I think we are slowly regaining our form. There is more to improve and we need to keep training hard." In March, the Badminton Association of Malaysia announced that the world number four pair would be split to allow the coach to try new combinations following tension in their partnership. However, Tang Jie and Ee Wei were reunited at the recent Sudirman Cup and helped Malaysia reach the quarter-finals. - Bernama
