KUALA LUMPUR: Men's doubles Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub-Tan Wee Kiong's gallant run at the Kumamoto Masters in Japan ended in the semi-finals today.The world No. 40 struggled against Japan's world No. 9 Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi, in the Super 500 event, succumbing 21-12, 21-15 in just 33 minutes.
It was Azriyn-Wee Kiong's first encounter with the 2021 world champions.Despite the defeat, the Malaysians can take pride in achieving their best result on the World Tour since forming their partnership in January.
Hoki-Kobayashi will face Indonesia's world No. 5 Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto in tomorrow's final.