Hon Jian-Vin Sean smash past compatriots into Malaysia IC final

KUALA LUMPUR: Choong Hon Jian-Wong Vin Sean, Malaysia's men's doubles pair, secured their place as the country's sole finalists at the Malaysia International Challenge by overcoming a tense all-Malaysian semi-final in Ipoh on Saturday. The fifth seeds narrowly defeated Goh Boon Zhe-M. Fazriq Mohamad Razif with a score of 21-11, 20-22, 21-19.

Hon Jian-Vin Sean claimed control early, winning the first game, but struggled to secure the second. They rebounded in the deciding third game, edging Boon Zhe-Fazriq in the final stages and keeping hopes alive for Malaysia's first home title.

Hon Jian acknowledged that impatience had crept into their play, stating that they must become sharper for Sunday's final. He expressed hope for a home title victory but cautioned against becoming overly confident. The pair emphasized the importance of focusing on improving their game.

Hon Jian-Vin Sean will face Japan's seventh seeds, Naoya Kawashima-Kota Ogawa, in the final. The pair avoided an all-Malaysian final after defeating Boon Xin Yuan-Lwi Sheng Hao 21-18, 21-16 in the other semi-final. Meanwhile, Malaysia's mixed doubles team, Lau Yi Sheng-Yap Rui Chen, ended their challenge at the last-four stage, losing to Japan's Kota Ogawa-Misaki Kurashima 12-21, 21-14, 21-14. Lim Ming Hong-Stella Pan also retired from their semi-final against Thailand's Thanadol Yunmongkol-Nattamon Laisuan.