Beng Hee shown exit

2009/11/05

Devinder Singh

ONG Beng Hee bowed out of the World Open after running into a brick wall in the shape of new World No 1 Gregory Gaultier in the third round in Kuwait on Tuesday.

The 13th-seeded Beng Hee could find no way past the Frenchman, who was in inspired form as he posted an 11-4, 11-5, 11-9 win in 42 minutes to advance to the quarter-finals.

The national No 2 admitted to being outplayed by twice World Open finalist Gaultier as Beng Hee fell one step short of becoming the first Malaysian quarter-finalist at the world meet.

"He (Gaultier) played very well. It was unfortunate I did not make it (to the last eight) but I think I received a lesson for two games in the glass court. By the time I got used to the conditions, it was too late," said World No 19 Beng Hee, who was playing at the Green Island Resort for the first time having played his first two matches at the Salmiya Club.

Beng Hee offered stiffer resistance in the third game when the Malaysian found himself 9-7 up, forcing Gaultier to dig deep into his reserves.

After five lets and three points to set up match ball, an error by Beng Hee handed Gaultier victory.

Ong Beng Hee (right) lost to Gregory Gaultier 11-4, 11-5, 11-9.

Top seed Karim Darwish of Egypt was not so fortunate as he was dumped out of the tournament by British Open runner-up James Willstrop of England 11-7, 11-7, 3-11, 11-9.

Wilstrop was joined in the last eight by compatriots Peter Barker and Nick Matthew while defending champion Ramy Ashour also advanced by beating Laurens Jan Anjema of the Netherlands 11-5, 7-11, 11-5, 11-7.

Ashour is one of three world champions still in the draw with three-time winner and fellow Egyptian Amr Shabana, who takes on compatriot Wael El Hindi, and France's 2004 champion Thierry Lincou.

Meanwhile, Beng Hee turns his attention to the Qatar Classic which begins on Nov 19 in Doha where he could well run into Gaultier again.

But first the unseeded Beng Hee must overcome Barker in the first round to realise a second round match up with Gaultier.