Malaysia’s Top Doubles Pairs Fall in Li-Ning China Masters Quarter-Finals
Malaysia’s top doubles pairs Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Pearly Tan-M Thinaah were knocked out of the Li-Ning China Masters in the quarter-finals today.
Aaron-Wooi Yik were eliminated from the tournament by second seeds Ren Xiang Yu-He Ji Ting as the Chinese pair won 25-23, 17-21, 21-12. This was Xiang Yu-Ji Ting’s second win in their three meetings so far with the Malaysians.
Women’s Doubles Shuttlers Fall Short
Women’s doubles shuttlers Pearly Tan-M Thinaah were defeated in straight sets 16-21, 17-21, to China’s Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning in a match that lasted 48 minutes. The Malaysians have now lost six times to the Chinese pair in their nine clashes so far.
No Impact on Pearly-Thinaah’s Qualification
However, the result has no bearing on Pearly-Thinaah’s qualification for the prestigious World Tour Finals (WTF) in Hangzhou, China, next month as they have already booked their spots following their stellar performances this year. Pearly-Thinaah are in fifth position in the women’s doubles, with the Chinese pair at the top of the list.
Men’s Semi-Finals Lineup
In the men’s semi-finals tomorrow, the pair from China will play the winner of the match between Malaysia’s world No 8 pair Goh Sze-Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and world No 13 Sabar Karyaman Gutama-Mob Reza Pahlevi Isfahani of Indonesia.
Aaron-Wooi Yik’s Chances of Qualification
Aaron-Wooi Yik’s chances of qualifying for the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, China, next month remain promising despite their loss today, as the Malaysian pair earned 6,050 points from the China Masters, bringing their total to 72,240. This catapults them to fifth position in the WTF qualifiers list. However, their qualification can only be confirmed when the Badminton World Federation announces the final rankings after the China Masters.
WTF Qualification and Ranking
The WTF is highly coveted, offering US$210,000 (RM937,500) for the doubles winners in all three categories and also substantial points for the final ranking. Malaysia’s men’s singles player Lee Zii Jia has already qualified for the WTF, marking his return to the prestigious tournament after a two-year absence. Sze Fei-Izzuddin as well as mixed doubles pairs Cheng Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai have also booked their places in the event.
WTF Qualification Criteria
Only the top eight players and pairs in the WTF qualifiers list will make it to the event. There is also a cap of two representatives from each country per category. The gold medallists at the 2024 Paris Olympics automatically qualify for the tournament, even if they are not in the top eight.
Conclusion
Malaysia’s top doubles pairs Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Pearly Tan-M Thinaah were knocked out of the Li-Ning China Masters in the quarter-finals, but their performances this year have secured their spots in the World Tour Finals (WTF) in Hangzhou, China, next month. The Malaysian pairs will continue to fight for their spots in the event, which offers significant prizes and ranking points.
FAQs
- What is the World Tour Finals (WTF)?
The World Tour Finals is a prestigious badminton tournament that offers significant prizes and ranking points. - How many pairs from each country can qualify for the WTF?
Only the top eight pairs in the WTF qualifiers list will make it to the event, with a cap of two representatives from each country per category. - What is the prize money for the WTF?
The WTF offers US$210,000 (RM937,500) for the doubles winners in all three categories and also substantial points for the final ranking.