The Malaysian pair of Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong qualified for the final of the Yones World Badminton Championships after defeating Guo Zhengdung/Xu Chen in the semifinals in straight sets, 21-14, 21-18 at the Pierre de Coubertin Stadium in Paris.
The duo became the first Malaysian pair since the pair of Cheah Soon Kit/Yap Kim Hock in 1997, to qualify for the final of the world championships.
They won the first set easily but struggled in the second as they trailed 12-16 at one stage. Though the Malaysians pulled away to 18-16, the Chinese pair drew level.
But the Malaysians were not to be denied their moment of glory as they battled to win 21-18.
“It was tough but we finally made it to the final. And now there is just one hurdle left,” said Tan who was put on drips after the win over the Koreans in the quarterfinals.
“We will do our level best to win this for Malaysia and give all Malaysians an early Merdeka cheer,” said Koo.
