Wooi Yik’s have to wait longer for their maiden World Tour as the Tokyo Olympics bronze medallists were ousted in the French Open semi-finals, early today.
Despite winning the opening game 21-14, the world number eight pair went down 10-21, 22-24 against former world champions Ko Sung Hyun-Shin Baek Cheol of South Korea in a-56 minute battle at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin, Paris.
In the final later today, the Koreans are set to face world number one pair, Marcus Fernaldi Gideon-Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo of Indonesia, who edged compatriots Fajar Alfian-Muhammad Rian Ardianto 21-19, 12-21, 26-24 in the semis.
Aaron-Wooi Yik advanced to the last four after defeating fifth seeds S. Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty of India 18-21, 21-18, 21-17 in the quarter-finals.
The 2019 SEA Games champions had come close to winning titles by advancing to the finals in the 2018 SaarLorLux Open, 2019 Malaysia International, 2019 All England and 2020 Thailand Open, but the title dream remains elusive for them.
Meanwhile, the future looks promising for Malaysia as men’s singles player Ng Tze Yong clinched the Belgian International title in Leuven.
The 21-year-old Johorean, stunned Ajay Jayaram of India 21-14, 21-14 to win his third title, after having emerged champion in the 2019 South Australia International and 2021 Polish Open prior to this.
