KUALA LUMPUR: Justin Hoh is still without a world tour title after he fell in the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Super 100 at Juara Stadium today.
The talented but injury-prone shuttler could not match the speed and endurance of Taiwan's top seed Chi Yu Jen. He lost 18-21, 21-17, 21-6 in 70 minutes to the World No. 33.
His defeat meant Malaysia has no more singles players in the tournament as women's singles K. Letshanaa and Ong Xin Yee also crashed out in the last eight.
Last year, local hope Leong Jun Hao won the men's singles title in the inaugural Malaysia 100.
"I came into the match with the intention of winning and keeping the Malaysian flag flying. I'm disappointed that I couldn't achieve that target today," said World No. 50 Justin.
"It's a good match between us, but I was unable to keep up with him when he increased the pace in the third game.
"I need to keep playing with more top players to improve my level before thinking about winning a tour title."
Touted as a future star by former national coach Datuk Misbun Sidek, the 20-year-old Justin couldn't realise his true potential due to injuries.
A tendon rupture in 2022 kept him out of competitions for more than a year and other minor injuries derailed his chance of winning a World Tour title in Super 100 events. His next event will be the Super 300 Korea Masters on Nov 5-10.
Meanwhile, promising junior shuttler Ong Xin Yee's gallant run came to an end with a 17-21, 21-19, 21-4 defeat to World No. 104 Akari Kurihara of Japan in 47 minutes. National senior K. Letshanaa also bowed out after losing 21-19, 21-16 to Asuka Takahashi of Japan.
RESULTS
Q-finals
Malaysians unless stated
Men's singles: Chi Yu Jen (Tpe) bt Justin Hoh 18-21, 21-17, 21-6.
Women's singles: Akari Kurihara (Jpn) bt Ong Xin Yee 17-21, 21-19, 21-4; Asuka Takahashi (Jpn) bt K. Letshanaa 21-19, 21-16.