KUALA LUMPUR: Independent shuttlers Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi needed only two more points to reach their first World Tour final in a year, but in the end there was only heartbreak for the Malaysians.
The world No. 12 men's doubles pair crashed out in the semi-finals of the Kumamoto Masters today after going down 16-21, 22-20, 21-17 to world No. 9 Liu Yu Chen-Ou Xuan Yi of China.
The Malaysians, who are still hoping to make the top eight cut for the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou next month, only have themselves to blame for the defeat after squandering a 19-14 lead in the second game.
Fate would have it that it was Yu Chen-Xuan Yi who denied Yew Sin-Ee Yi from winning the Australian Open title last November.
Independent doubles coach, Rosman Razak was gutted with the outcome, but still praised his charges, especially given their form this season, which has been somewhat of a roller-coaster ride.
"Very sad we couldn't finish the match in the second game. In the third game, the opponents increased the speed, and Yew Sin-Ee Yi's counter attacks were not so good.
"Of course disappointed with today's result, but hopefully coming this far would give them some extra motivation for the next tournament, and to stay injury free," said Rosman.
Yu Chen-Xuan Yi will play another China pair, He Ji Ting-Ren Xiang Yu, tomorrow for the crown.
In the last four, Ji Ting-Xiang Yu downed compatriots Tan Qiang-Zhou Hao Dong 21-13, 21-16.
As for Yew Sin-Ee Yi, they will travel to Shenzhen next for the China Masters. They are up against fellow Malaysians and world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik in the first round.