A brazen strategy saw Chinese sensations Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang floor Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo/Marcus Fernaldi Gideon in the PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2023 second round.

In their Super 1000 debut event, the men’s pair “made the court as big as possible” so they could use their talent to their advantage.

“We went into the match wanting to use the whole court because if we limit ourselves against the Minions, they will use it against us,” said Wang after the 20-22 21-12 21-19 win. “We made sure we made the court as big as possible and not keep to the mid-court. As a result, Kevin couldn’t control the shuttle from there. You can’t let Kevin have fun in his favourite zone.”

After their second victory over the former world No.1 tandem, Wang was modest in his assessment of their display. The Chinese duo had sent the Indonesian pair packing on home turf in the Indonesia Masters 2021 semifinals in their only previous meeting.

“We just wanted to do our best. With the strength of the men’s doubles field, it’s possible for any pair to beat another,” added Wang.

Liang, delighted with his quarterfinal ticket, said: “We want to keep going, it’s not the end yet. It’s my first Super 1000, and my first quarterfinal at this stage. The target is getting our hands on the trophy. That’s why we are here.”

WHAT OTHERS SAID:

“I did watch his match against Lee Zii Jia in preparation, but it wasn’t enough.” – Home hope Ng Tze Yong on tormentor Kodai Naraoka

“I didn’t want to lose. But even if I lost, I wanted to at the very least make sure I gave my all.” – Naraoka

“It must be the ‘power of peking duck’ I had for dinner last night with Gregory Mairs and Jenny Moore.” – Zheng Si Wei after winning his second round match

“I was really nervous, a bit shaky and not as confident with my footwork but I’m getting back that on-court feeling.” – Yeremia Erich Yoche Yacob Rambitan on his return to the circuit after seven months out with injury

“We’ve fought many battles. I can tell you after today it won’t be too long before he’s back to his best.” – Anthony Sinisuka Ginting about his opponent Anders Antonsen

→ Results (Day 3)

→ Order of play (Day 4)