Kisona stumbles in Asia Team C’ships despite best efforts

KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian contingent faced its first stumbling block in its Badminton Asia Team Championships 2022 campaign with national ace shuttler S. Kisona losing out to Japan’s Natsuki Nidaira here at the Setia City Convention Centre earlier today. 

Kisona was off to a shaky start when she lost the first set 21-12 to Natsuki and despite her valiant efforts, the spirited athlete wasn’t able to turn things around, losing 21-16 in the second set. 

Speaking to media minutes after the defeat, Kisona says her opponent was in control of the entire match. 

“My opponent was better than me and she controlled the pace of the match. I have to take charge in the next game to do better,” she said.

For the second of Malaysia’s matches today, Eoon Qi Xuan will be up against Riko Gunji, followed by Siti Nurshuhaini against Hina Akechi. 

Meanwhile, the doubles pair of Valeree Siow and Pearly Tan will be facing off against Rui Hirokami and Yuna Kato while Anna Cheong and Teoh Mei Xing will play the final match of the day against Hina Akechi and Riko Gunji. – The Vibes, February 15, 2022