Malaysia International Challenge: Muhammad Hafiz Hashim topples Beng Hong Kuan in pre-quarter-final
Malaysia’s most experienced player Muhammad Hafiz Hashim lived up to expectations as he continued playing positive badminton and reached into Men’s Singles top-eight stage after beating his compatriot Beng Hong Kuan in pre-quarter-final clash at Maybank
Malaysia International Challenge 2012 at Kuching, on Thursday, November 15.
The lofty Hafiz, who is the top seed in Men’s Singles main draw, worked really hard in the arena and remained successful in winning against his talented opponent in 40 minutes.
Hafiz played aggressive badminton in the first game and took it easily. However, he had to work extra hard in the following set and he managed to win the battle in straight games with a decent total on the board.
The lower ranked Beng Hong, on the other hand, showed his brilliance all the way and created a tough resistance against his experienced challenger.
However, he could not stay patient in the ending points and lost the match with a respectable margin.
Hafiz employed powerful strokes from the initial points of first game and he managed to stay ahead of his compatriot at the initial stage.
The experienced Hafiz did not lose his focus at any stage and remained successful in taking a strong position until the end of opening half.
Beng Hong, in the meanwhile, failed to get stronger after the one-minute interval as he lost his focus on court and also remained struggling to find a good flow.
However, Hafiz was very calm and composed on court as he did not play quivering game and ended up the set with a 21-17 score on the board.
In the second set, Beng Hong played better badminton as he geared up his speed in all areas and remained close to Hafiz until the end of opening half.
After the break, the tricky and positive play of Hafiz assisted him to stay strong in the arena.
The top seeded Hafiz remained close to his rival until the ending points when he played smart badminton and won the set with a tight margin of 24-22.
Hafiz emerged as victorious in this Men’s Singles pre-quarter-final encounter in 40 minutes with a stunning 21-17 and 24-22 score on the board.
Tags: