KUALA LUMPUR: Cheam June Wei should be proud of his performances in the last two weeks despite falling short of securing the Super 100 Kaohsiung Masters crown on Saturday.
A week after earning RM131,000 for winning the Lin Dan Cup in China, world No. 61 June Wei reached the final before losing 21-15, 21-12 to Taiwan's Lee Chia Hao at the K-Arena.
It was the world No. 31's fourth career win over June Wei, who also finished runner-up at the 2018 Dutch Open and 2022 Indonesia Masters.
Boosted by confidence, the 27-year-old June Wei will now focus on upcoming tournaments with the aim of winning his first World Tour crown.
His coach, Ong Ewe Hock, said June Wei played well throughout the tournament in Taiwan.
"Unfortunately, he lost in the final to a better player. Chia Hao dictated the match, and June Wei lost focus," Ewe Hock told Timesport.
"I did not go to Taiwan, so June Wei was alone, and I believe it was tough to remain focused with the Taiwanese fans rooting for their player."
Ewe Hock added that June Wei had messaged him after the final and revealed he could only play up to 50 percent of his capabilities.
"When he returns to Malaysia, I will try to improve his game. In the future, we will consider sending a coach with June Wei during tournaments."