Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin produced one of his best performances of the season at the Vietnam Open, advancing to the men’s singles quarter-finals after defeating fellow Malaysian Lim Ming Hong in straight games.
The world No. 91 needed just two games to overcome world No. 125 Lim, winning 21-17, 21-13 in their last-16 clash in Ho Chi Minh City.
The result marks Aidil’s best showing of the season and gives the independent shuttler a chance to reach his first international final four of the year.
He now faces a tougher test on Friday against China’s world No. 43 Dong Tian Yao.
Malaysia will also have two doubles pairs in the quarter-finals.
In men’s doubles, world No. 91 Choong Hon Jian and Wong Vin Sean won an all-Malaysian battle against Lee Yi Bo and Lim Tze Jian, securing a comfortable 21-16, 21-11 victory.
They will look to maintain their momentum in the quarter-finals as they continue their campaign in Vietnam.
In mixed doubles, Tan Zhi Yang and Teoh Mei Xing also advanced after defeating Taiwan’s Tsai Fu Cheng and Tsung Yu Hsuan 21-14, 21-17.
The world No. 179 Malaysian pair now face a major challenge against top seeds Wu Guan Xun and Lee Chia Hsin. The Taiwanese duo are ranked world No. 31 and will provide a significant step up in opposition.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s hopes in women’s singles came to an end in the last 16.
World No. 54 Goh Jin Wei was beaten by India’s world No. 64 Isharani Baruah 21-18, 21-16, while world No. 64 Siti Zulakha Azmi suffered a 21-16, 21-7 defeat to Taiwan’s world No. 54 Huang Ching Ping.
With three Malaysian representatives still in contention, attention now turns to Friday’s quarter-finals.
Aidil Sholeh will be aiming to continue his breakthrough run in the men’s singles, while Choong-Wong and Tan-Teoh will look to book their places in the semi-finals as Malaysia continues its push at the Vietnam Open.
