Badminton News: At last week’s Singapore Open tournament, Japan’s Kodai Naraoka (21) showed his class before losing to Indonesia’s Anthony Sinisuka Ginting in the men’s singles final on Sunday.
Freelance badminton player Soong Joo Ven knew she had to step up her game or she would be left behind by a number of young players.
Kodai Naraoka is one of those players in his early twenties trying to make his mark on the international stage.
Joo Ven and Naraoka, 27, will be at different stages when they open their campaign at the 2022 Taiwan Open starting today with qualifying.
Joo Ven will face Cheam June Wei in the first round tomorrow while Naraoka will face Ygor Coelho of Brazil.
Former U-18 national champion Joo Ven was one of Naraoka’s casualties at the Korea Masters earlier this year.
“I lost to him a few months ago. He’s a real fighter and in great physical shape. And he’s not afraid of big names,” said Joo Ven.
“Players like him will come, but if I have to face him again, I have to be mentally prepared.”
Joo Ven said performing in two shows was exhausting. He played mixed doubles with Goh Liu Ying.
“In Taiwan, I only focus on singles. It’s difficult to play in two sectors. I didn’t perform well due to lack of preparation but I tried my best to balance things. I don’t set no goals here,” he added.
Besides Joo Ven and June Wei, the other Malaysian player in the main draw was Yeoh Seng Zoe. Leong Jun Hao, Jacky Kok Jing Hong and Lim Chong King will start the qualifying match today.
In women’s singles, Goh Jin Wei desperately needed a victory to put her preparations on track for the Commonwealth Games.
Jin Wei, 23, was drawn against Indian Tanya Hemanth and if she wins, she will face qualifier Chen Su-yu from Taiwan.
This tournament will also bring together former international player Lim Khim Wah with Goh V Shem in men’s doubles. They will face Chiu Hsiang-chieh-Yang Ming-tse from Taiwan in the first round.
Article tags: Kodai Naraoka, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, Japan
Published by Ligaolahraga.com at https://www.ligaolahraga.com/badminton/kodai-naraoka-salah-one-player-muda-potensial-asal-japan
