Muhammad Hafiz Hashim proceeds while Wong Choong Hann withdraws in the Kedah Open 2011
Malaysian Men’s Singles experienced shuttler, Muhammad Hafiz Hashim sailed through to the quarter-finals, whereas, Wong Choong Hann withdrew during his second round match of the Kedah Open 2011.
The 28-year-old Hafiz Hashim found an easy victory against junior shuttler, Zulfadli Zulkifli, who has recently clinched the Boy’s Singles crown at the Asian Junior Badminton Championships 2011, in India. The young shuttler withdrew in the second game, as
he was physically exhausted by playing in the Asian Junior tounament.
Right from the start of the match, Zulfadli was clearly lacking strength in his body as his movement was quite slow. Hafiz Hashim maintained the speed of the game and ended the first game without wasting any time in the court with a one-sided difference
of 21-7.
In the following game, Hafiz Hashim was playing at the same speed, whereas, his opponent was quite tired and was hardly moving to return the bird from the rear court area. Zulfadli was trailing behind at 4-11 in the second set, when he decided to withdraw
from the match. The match went in the favour of Hashim, who won it with a 21-7 and 11-4 margin.
While talking about Zulfadli after the match, Hafiz said, “He is a talented young player and he has a very good game. However, in order to bring out his potential, he needs to improve on his fitness and body strength.”
On the other hand, the 34-year-old Choong Hann decided to retire from his match against Yeoh Kay Bin, due to fever. Choong Hann lost the first game without putting up a good show, as he was playing a slow game. He retired from the match and did not play
the second game to avoid any injury before the World Championships 2011.
After the match, Choong Hann said, “I just flew in this morning and I am having a slight fever. So I decided to withdraw. I am not injured and my plans for the World Championships are still on track.”
The veteran shuttler is determined to play to his maximum potential at the World Championships, which is expected to be his last participation in the mega event as he is on the verge of retirement from competitive badminton.
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