Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, independent shuttler Liew Daren cannot believe his luck at the Asian leg of the World Tour in Bangkok.
Yesterday, the 34-year-old cleared the first round of the Toyota Thailand Open without having to lift his racquet, when his opponent, B. Sai Praneeth of India conceded a walkover after testing positive for coronavirus.
The Indian shuttler is now under a 10-day quarantine in hospital while his hotel roommate, K. Srikanth, has also withdrawn from the competition to self isolate.
Last week, Daren produced one of the biggest upsets when he saw off World No 3, Anders Antonsen of Denmark in the opening round of the Yonex Thailand Open, the first of three tournaments on the Asian leg.
Although Daren did not make it past the second round then, he cannot be more thankful for his lucky run, especially when he nearly did not qualify for any of the events due to his low world ranking (No 41).
The 2018 World Championships bronze medallist told Timesport yesterday: "To be honest, I'm very surprised. My expectation isn't high because I never really prepared well for the Asian leg.
"I was also on the reserves list prior to the start of the Asian leg. So, to come here and enjoy these little success stories is quite an experience."
Daren now hopes to take his good fortune a step further by clearing the second round today.
The Sports Affairs Badminton Academy shuttler is up against another Indian shuttler, H.S.Prannoy, for a place in the last eight.
Prannoy had upset sixth seed Jonatan Christie of Indonesia, 18-21, 21-16, 23-21 in the first round.
"I want to go as far as I can in the tournament. Hopefully I get to bring out my best game," added Daren, who is Malaysia's sole representative in the men's singles following the first round exit of Lee Zii Jia on Tuesday.