Badminton

Wan Arif-Roy King spoil the 'Daddies' day

KUALA LUMPUR: Men's doubles Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King set up an all-Malaysia quarter-final clash with Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun after upstaging sentimental favourites Mohammad Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan at the Indonesia Masters today.

It was the legendary Ahsan-Hendra's farewell tournament but world No. 20 Arif-Roy King spoilt the Indonesians' day with a surprise 21-13, 21-14 win in 28 minutes in the second round.

Former world No. 1 Ahsan-Hendra, known fondly as the "Daddies", were three-time world champions and winners of more than 30 international titles with different partners.

Hendra, 40, had also won the 2008 Beijing Olympics gold with the late Marki Kido, and the duo had also captured the 2007 world title before the former started partnering Ahsan, 37, in 2012.

Malaysia are now assured of a semi-final place tomorrow.

World No. 13 Wei Chong-Kai Wun had beaten Taiwan's world No. 19 Lee Fang Chih-Lee Fang Jen 23-21, 21-13 in an earlier match in 39 minutes.

National men's doubles assistant coach Muhmmad Miftakh said Arif-Roy King were motivated to beat Ahsan-Hendra in their farewell tournament.

"Ahsan-Hendra have been one of the greatest pairs to play for Indonesia, and Arif-Roy King can learn so much from them. It should give them great motivation to try and qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics," said Miftakh.

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