Smashing start and stadium relief for Malaysian shuttlers at World Championships

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian shuttlers have made an impressive start at the World Championships in New Delhi, with the refurbished Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium receiving praise for its improved condition. The world No. 19 pair, Yap Roy King and Wan Arif Junaidi, defeated Vietnam's Nguyen Dinh Hoang-Tran Dinh Manh in the first round with a score of 21-9, 21-13.

The stadium had previously been criticized for bird droppings and poor hygiene during the India Open in January, but refurbishment efforts have since eliminated the issue, with no monkeys or pigeons spotted and newly built toilets. Roy King expressed his satisfaction with the venue, stating that it is now "clean and conducive for the event."

Arif Junaidi, who is reuniting with Roy King for their second World Championships after a reshuffle, highlighted the improved condition compared to the January India Open, while looking forward to progress further in the tournament. Meanwhile, Malaysian women's doubles pair Carmen Ting and Ong Xin Yee were also pleased with the stadium improvements, describing the condition as "excellent."

Meanwhile, men's singles player Leong Jun Hao had a tough first round, recording a 21-19, 21-15 win over Brazil's Jonathan Matias, despite the challenging draught in the hall.