KUALA LUMPUR: Scratch pair Vivian Hoo-Chow Mei Kuan received a boost ahead of next month’s Gold Coast Commonwealth Games by reaching the women’s doubles final of the Vietnam International Challenge in Hanoi on Saturday.
The Malaysians upset eighth seeds Chen Hsiao Huan-Hu Ling Fang of Taiwan 21-10, 21-15 and will face Japan’s Erina Honda-Nozomi Shimizu or Baek Ha Na-Lee Yu Rim of South Korea, in Sunday’s final.
Vivian-Mei Kuan defeated Thailand's Ruethaichanok Laisuan-Supamart Mingchua 21-13, 21-15 in the quarter-finals, played on the same day.
Vivian said: "My combination with Mei Kuan is not as smooth as my partnership with Woon Khe Wei (Vivian's regular partner), but we are getting better.
"We are using the tournament here to iron out the finer details, so that we can come good in Gold Coast."
In the men’s singles, Goh Giap Chin continued his fine run by making the final following a 15-21, 21-19, 21-12 win over Indonesia's Wisnu Yuli Prasetyo.
In the quarter-finals, the Malaysian defeated compatriot Chong Yee Han 24-22, 17-21, 21-13.
Giap Chin, however, faces a tall order as he takes on top seed and former World No 2 Kento Momota of Japan for the title.
The Japanese shuttler defeated Indonesia’s Krishna Adi Nugraha 21-12, 21-14 in the other semi-final tie.