KUALA LUMPUR: Natasha Roslan and Gillian Lim wrapped up a promising preliminary campaign for Malaysia in the women's singles event of the World Championships in Kuwait, securing two more spots to make it five representatives in the second round.
The duo joined Sin Li Jane, Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman and Nora Lyana Nastasia Norkamal in the last-24 stage after qualifying among the top two in their respective groups.
On Saturday, Natasha topped Group E-Pool 2 with 12 points, achieving four wins out of five possible games, while Gillian secured the second spot with 10 points from three wins and a draw, qualifying alongside group winner Maria Jose Rodriguez of Colombia.
The only Malaysian who didn't advance was Esther Cheah, the 2005 world champion.
In the men's competition, Syazirol Shamsuddin was the sole Malaysian competing on Saturday.
Regrettably, he garnered only six points, finishing fourth in Group C-Pool 2.
Tim Stampe of Denmark qualified as the winner from this group.
So far, only Rafiq Ismail has secured his spot for the next round, while Ahmad Muaz Fishol was another player who got eliminated.
Nevertheless, hope remains, with Timmy Tan, Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek, and Tun Hakim Tun Hasnul Azam set to compete on Sunday.