Malaysia Open: Axelsen vs Momota the main highlight in Malaysian-less finals

The Malaysia Open finals will be without any national representation following semi-final defeats of men’s doubles pairings Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin and Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik.

Goh-Izzuddin were first up in action at the Axiata Arena on Saturday against Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto, whom they had only beaten once in six meetings.

The full house gathered at the Axiata Arena since early Saturday morning raised the decibels as the pair took to court for their showdown, but the anticipation ended in disappointment after just 37 minutes as the Malaysians went down 14-21, 12-21.

It was a performance riddled with nerves and numerous mistakes, with the Indonesians in cruise control throughout the match.

Chia-Soh then came up short against Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi in the final match of the day.

The Malaysians started off well, but then allowed their opponents back into the game and wilted in deuce to lose the first game, and with their morale deflated, the Japanese finished them off 23-21, 21-9 in 41 minutes.

Chia admitted the pair’s game were also full of errors.

“Our opponents got easy points from us due to our mistakes. The pressure playing in front of the home crowd shouldn’t be an issue. If we cannot take the pressure, we cannot be the national number one pair,” he said.

Both defeats aside, fans still have plenty to look forward to especially in the men’s singles final as Viktor Axelsen takes on Kento Momota in what promises to be an intriguing clash.

Momota was utterly dominant in his 21-11, 21-12 demolition of Kunvalut Vitidsarn, whom he outclassed in every aspect from attack to defense.

“I’m so happy to reach this final after enduring so many difficult times. I will do my best in the final for the people who have supported me throughout,” said Momota.

As for Axelsen, the Dane was made to work harder, needing 71-minutes before he saw off the challenge of Jonatan Christie 21-15, 20-22, 21-11.

Meanwhile, Ratchanok Intanon and Chen Yu Fei square off in the women’s singles final.

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