Badminton: Doubles delight from S'pore duo

Badminton: Doubles delight from S'pore duo

They were the underdogs, ranked a lowly 281 in the world and up against the world No. 15 pair backed by a partisan home crowd.

But the Singapore men's doubles pair of Chayut Triyachart and Danny Bawa Chrisnanta blocked it off and raised their game magnificently to upset defending champions Goh V Shem and Lim Khim Wah 21-17, 22-20 to win the Malaysia Grand Prix Gold final at Pasir Gudang yesterday.

Speaking to The New Paper after the victory yesterday, Chrisnanta, 25 said: "This is only our fourth tournament after Chayut returned to the team (last November) and we are building up our chemistry.

"I think our opponents were under pressure, especially when we are leading a few times.

"(Doubles) coach Nunung had to go back to Singapore yesterday due to personal reasons, so he called us before the game and advised us to keep the shuttle in and bring the shuttle down because Lim is weak in returning serves."

Chayut, who left the Singapore Badminton Association in January last year, only to return after 10 months, added: "Our (good) results were in the mixed doubles previously but I think both of us have become more mature.

"We were also able to control ourselves in the game and our communication has also improved."

The Singapore duo pocketed US$9,480 (S$11,900) for the win and their performance will be a confidence boost ahead of the OUE Singapore Open, which will be held at the Indoor Stadium from April 8 to 13.

National head coach Liu Qingdong said: "I'm extremely happy... Chayut is very strong in the front, so Danny can focus on his attack (from the back).

"Last night I gave them some advice and went through with them their opponents' weakness, which they were able to capitalise on.

"This has been a very fruitful competition and I think this will give our whole team confidence to do well at next week's OUE Singapore Open."

Meanwhile, the draw for the Thomas and Uber Cups, to be held in New Delhi from May 18 to 25, was held in the Indian capital yesterday.

Singapore were drawn in Group A - along with Indonesia, Thailand and Nigeria - in the men's competition, and are in Group B with South Korea, Indonesia and Australia in the women's event.


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