Malaysia women shuttlers sweep into Asian Games quarters

KUCHING: Team Malaysia’s perfect start to the Asian Games rested on Wong Ling Ching’s racket, with the Sarawakian handed the decisive third singles and the chance to complete a 3-0 sweep over Hong Kong China at the women’s division.

On her Games debut, the Sarawakian dived into the role, winning 21-17, 21-14 to send Malaysia into the women’s team quarter-finals without dropping a set.

Ling Ching had to work through a tighter opening game, but once she found separation late, the second became a much cleaner affair as she kept her opponent chasing and closed out the tie in straight games.

Malaysia had earlier taken the opening point through K. Letshanaa, who took down Lo Sin Yan Happy 21-9, 21-16 in straight sets.

Pearly Tan–M. Thinaah doubled the tally for Malaysia with a 21-11, 21-17 victory over Yeung Nga Ting–Yeung Pui Lam.

That left Ling Ching with the chance to finish things off on debut – and she did.

There will be no gentle introduction, however, in the quarter-finals.

South Korea are next, and the names alone underline the jump in difficulty.

World No. 1 An Se-young leads a squad that also includes Kim Ga-eun and Sim Yu-jin in singles, while Lee So-hee, Baek Ha-na, Kim Hye-jeong and Jeong Na-eun give the Koreans serious depth in doubles.