Hong Kong Open: Jason Gunawan stuns Victor Lai in badminton qualifiers, faces Farhan next
Jason Gunawan downs Victor Lai in qualifiers, less than 10 days after Canadian’s historic World Championships display
Victor Lai Ho-chun was brought crashing back down to Earth with a bump on Tuesday, losing in the qualifying rounds of the Li-Ning Hong Kong Open.
Less than 10 days after claiming bronze at the Badminton World Championships, the Canadian, whose parents are from Hong Kong, was stunned 21-12, 21-15 by Hongkonger and world No 40 Jason Gunawan at the Coliseum.
Gunawan beat Indonesia’s Mohammad Zaki Ubaidillah in the first qualifying round 21-15, 21-13 before knocking out Lai. He will face Alwi Farhan of Indonesia, ranked 22nd in the world, in the first round of the main draw on Wednesday.
“I saw so many spectators giving their full support to the Hong Kong players. I really enjoyed it and was extremely excited. It was a real shock,” Gunawan told local media.
“I know Victor [Lai] is in great form, but I was very confident and discussed tactics with my coach. Tomorrow’s match against Alwi Farhan will be a difficult one. I hope to take advantage of the home court and defeat him. I’m also in good form, so I’m confident.”
Lai made history last week in Paris when he became the first Canadian to medal at the World Championships.