MEN’S doubles Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik’s fabulous run in the China Open was halted by Japan’s Takeshi Kamura-Keigo Sonoda in the semi-finals in Fuzhou yesterday.
Much was expected of Aaron-Wooi Yik after they had toppled three-time world champions Mohammad Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan in the last eight on Friday.
After all, it was the Indonesians who had denied them the All England crown in March.
However, Aaron-Wooi Yik could not reproduce their form against Kamura-Sonoda in the last four as the fourth seeded Japanese won 21-13, 21-14 in just 31 minutes.
The World No 14 Malaysians can take heart from their gallant display in Fuzhou as they gear up for the Philippines Sea Games (Nov 30-Dec 11).
Their second-round victory over Fajar Alfian-Mohammad Rian Ardianto would have boosted their confidence as the Indonesians are ranked World No 5 and will be competing in the Philippines as well.
Ahsan-Hendra won’t be competing, though.
Aaron-Wooi Yik will take part in the Hong Kong Open (Nov 12-17) and Korea Masters (Nov 19-24) before turning their attention to the regional Games.
Meanwhile, mixed doubles Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie crashed out in the semi-finals, going down 21-16, 21-10 to world champions Zheng Si Wei-Huang Ya Qiong of China in 34 minutes.
Soon Huat-Shevon, the World No 11, will also compete in the Hong Kong Open and Korea Masters.
Kento Momota’s relentless march to a 10th title of the year continued as the Japanese world champion secured a 21-19, 21-8 victory over Rasmus Gemke of Denmark.