Thomas Sanave-Rupesh Kumar beaten in quarters, Indian challenge over

Kuching, June 17 (UNI) The last flickering flame was snuffed out by a Malaysian pair as Thomas Sanave and Rupesh Kumar went down in the quarterfinal of the men's doubles event in the Malaysian Open Bamdinton Tournament here.

Malaysians Woon Fui Lin and Mohd Fairuzizuan Tazari edged past the Indian pair 21-10, 13-21, 21-16 to move into the semifinals where they meet compatriots Tan Fook Choong and Wan Wah Lee.

The other semifinal match pits Kien Keat Koo and Chong Ming Chan, also of Malaysia, against the Chinese pair of Haifeng Fu and Yun Cai.

Thomas-Rupesh duo had not settled into their rhythm before their Malaysian rivals ran away with the first game. Showing a sense of urgency, the Indian shuttlers hit back and snatched the second game to force the decider but they suddenly lost the plot and the Malaysians were quick to grab the opportunity and go for the kill.

With their defeat, Indian challenge came to a crashing end in the four-star tournament.

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