Shah Alam Pickleball Quarter-Finals Drama: Malaysia’s hopes in the PPA Tour Asia Panas Malaysia Cup ended on Friday when Jimmy Liong and his partner, Filipino Leander Lazaro, were eliminated in the men’s doubles quarter-finals at 9Pick Setia Alam. They lost to the South Korea-Hong Kong pair, Kim Eung Gwon and Wong Hong Kit, 11-3, 11-8.
Quarter-Final Defeat
Jimmy Liong, who made history by winning the men’s singles Over-19 World Pickleball Championship last year, expressed disappointment at the loss on home soil.
“It was a heavy weight to carry, being the only Malaysian left in the competition until today. I hope Malaysians can see that I’m trying and working hard,”(Jimmy Liong).
He added,
“Hopefully, one day I will do amazingly and win a medal for Malaysia. Carrying the Malaysian flag is an honour for me. I’m very happy that so many Malaysians are supporting me now, and I hope they continue to believe in me. I’ll keep trying my best to bring back more medals.”
Jimmy attributed the defeat to the strong teamwork of Kim Eung Gwon and Wong Hong Kit.
“They are a fixed pair and have been playing together in almost every tournament, while this is only the second time I’ve partnered Leander. We’re still working on our chemistry,” (Jimmy Liong).
Men’s Singles Update
In the men’s singles, American top seed Christian Alshon reached the semi-finals after defeating Australian Mitchell Hargreaves 11-4, 11-1. Alshon will face unseeded Vietnamese Ly Hoang Nam, who upset his fifth-seeded compatriot Trinh Linh Giang 11-3, 8-11, 11-5.
Hong Kong’s Wong Hong Kit made a strong comeback by beating Vietnam’s Phuc Huynh 2-11, 11-7, 11-8. He will face Vietnam’s Hien Truong, who advanced by defeating Macau’s Marco Leung 11-3, 11-3.
Significance for Malaysia
The quarter-final exit of Jimmy Liong shows the challenges of facing established pairs in international pickleball. Despite the loss, his performance has drawn strong support from Malaysian fans and highlighted the growing talent in the country. Continued experience may lead to future international success.
News in Brief: Shah Alam Pickleball Quarter-Finals Drama
Malaysian pickleball star Jimmy Liong and partner Leander Lazaro were eliminated in the men’s doubles quarter-finals at the PPA Tour Asia Panas Malaysia Cup in Shah Alam. American Christian Alshon and Vietnamese Ly Hoang Nam advanced to the men’s singles semi-finals, while Hong Kong’s Wong Hong Kit will face Vietnam’s Hien Truong.