KUALA LUMPUR: Koay Hao Sheng did well to reach the men’s singles and doubles quarter-finals in the opening week of the M15 Kuala Lumpur ITF World Tennis Tour, but a lingering shoulder injury has cast doubt over his participation in next week’s second tournament.
The national team captain lost 6-2, 6-1 to American Azuma Visaya in the singles quarter-finals yesterday as he appeared to struggle on his serve at the National Tennis Centre.
Hao Sheng stunned third seed Sasikumar Mukund (India) 6-3, 6-0 in the second round. He defeated German David Eichenseher 6-2, 6-4 in the first round.
Hao Sheng said he has yet to decide whether he will play in the second tournament which starts on Tuesday.
“It (shoulder) is not really bothering me on my groundstrokes but it does hurt when I serve,” said Hao Sheng today.
“I was not able to hit many good first serves (against Visaya) and thus did not get many easy points. I was subsequently a bit rushed on many points as I did not have that serve to depend on.
“It is an overuse injury and is something I need to learn to manage better through physiotherapy and strengthening.
“I will rest for a few days before deciding whether I will play next week.”
In doubles, Hao Sheng and partner Shaheed Alam (Singapore) lost a close quarter-final to Rifqi Fitriadi (Ina)-Daniil Saksian (Arm) 7-6 (3), 4-6, 10-5.
Hao Sheng-Shaheed had beaten Naufal Kamaruzzaman (Mas)-Mikaeel Baig (Pak) 6-3, 6-2 in the opening round.
“It was very close in the doubles, we were a bit unlucky on some of the big points,” said Hao Sheng.
“Overall I would say that I am satisfied to reach the quarter-finals in both singles and doubles but obviously, I can always do better. I hope to keep improving my game.”
Naufal and youngster Aqil Adibi Rahiman had also played in the men’s singles and doubles main draw though both lost in the first round.