Published: 09:52, January 12, 2023 | Updated: 10:19, January 12, 2023
Malaysia Open: Chinese shuttlers stage strong comeback on 2nd day
By Xinhua

China's Chen Yufei celebrates after winning the women's singles round of 32 match against Japan's Okuhara Nozomi at Malaysia Open 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Jan 11, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

KUALA LUMPUR - Chinese shuttlers staged a strong comeback on the second day of the Malaysia Open 2023 on Wednesday.

Reigning women's singles Olympic champion Chen Yufei crushed Japan's Okuhara Nozomi 21-9, 21-17 in a 34-minute match while Wang Zhiyi beat her compatriot Zhang Yiman 21-16, 21-10.

In men's doubles, the Chinese pair of Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang outplayed local favorites Goh Sze Fei/Nur Izzuddin Rumsani 16-21, 21-11, 21-17, while Liu Yuchen/Ou Xuanyi of China scored a 21-19, 24-22 victory against Ben Lane/Sean Vendy of England

Men's singles player Zhao Junpeng bested his countryman Lu Guangzu 21-17, 21-16 while his compatriot Li Shifeng was beaten by Singapore's Loh Kean Yew 21-19, 23-21 at the Axiata Arena.

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Malaysia's badminton world number two Lee Zii Jia lost in front of a vocal home crowd in a three-game marathon to Japan's Naraoka Kodai 21-13, 17-21, 19-21.

In men's doubles, the Chinese pair of Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang outplayed local favorites Goh Sze Fei/Nur Izzuddin Rumsani 16-21, 21-11, 21-17, while Liu Yuchen/Ou Xuanyi of China scored a 21-19, 24-22 victory against Ben Lane/Sean Vendy of England.

China's Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang (left) in action during their men's doubles round of 32 match against Malaysia's Goh Sze Fei/Nur Izzuddin at Malaysia Open 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Jan 11, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

In women's doubles, Zhang Shuxian/Zheng Yu of China came out on top against Japan's Fukushima Yuki/Hirota Sayaka 21-15, 19-21, 21-16, while Li Wenmei/Liu Xuanxuan steamrolled over Ng Tsz Yau/Tsang Hiu Yan 21-7, 21-11. Du Yue/Xia Yuting beat Lee So-hee/Shin Seung-chan of South Korea 21-19, 22-20.

READ MORE: Zhao reaches men's singles semifinals at badminton worlds

The Malaysia Open will run from Jan 10 to 15.