SINGAPORE — Bouncing back from a disappointing Asian Games campaign in which he fell at the first hurdle in the men's badminton singles and team events, Singapore's Loh Kean Yew beat world No. 3 Kodai Naraoka 19-21, 21-6, 21-19 in the opening round of the Denmark Open on Tuesday (Oct 17). Following the 80-minute match, the 26-year-old will take on.
Singapore's ninth-ranked Loh Kean Yew bounced back from a disappointing Asian Games to beat Japan's world No. 3 Kodai Naraoka in the first round of the Denmark Open.SINGAPORE — Bouncing back from a disappointing Asian Games campaign in which he fell at the first hurdle in the men's badminton singles and team events, Singapore's Loh Kean Yew beat world No. 3 Kodai Naraoka 19-21, 21-6, 21-19 in the opening round of the Denmark Open on Tuesday .
Despite a spirited comeback triumph, the world No. 9 was in no mood to get ahead of himself. After all he has endured a roller-coaster year as well as questions over his form and title drought following his 2021 world title. What was particularly pleasing was how he could remain patient and stick to his strategy of pulling Naraoka out of position before going for the kill, as he said: "I tried to keep a clear mind and focus on my own game plan instead of the score, and I'm happy I could do so and come out with the win."
"We had just one week to train after returning from the Asian Games, and we are trying to help him be more clear and proactive and less predictable in his gameplay.