Giant-killers Qi Shen-Javen stun world No. 2 pair to claim C'wealth Championships gold

PETALING JAYA: Wong Qi Shen and Choong Javen pulled off the biggest win of their careers by upsetting India's world No. 2 pair Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah to capture the men's doubles title at the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships in New Delhi on Sunday.

The Malaysians produced a composed display to beat the home favourites 3-0 (11-9, 12-10, 11-7), denying India a clean sweep of the titles while delivering one of the finest results in the country's table tennis history.

The victory also gave Qi Shen and Javen a milestone to cherish, as they defeated a world No. 2-ranked pair en route to Malaysia's breakthrough men's doubles crown.

The achievement, however, came with a tinge of disappointment as table tennis was left out of the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, denying the duo the opportunity to compete for an even bigger prize.

India hosted the championships, which featured competitors from 25 countries.

Malaysia also claimed a mixed doubles silver through Tee Ai Xin and Richard Yap Rui Zhe, who lost 8-11, 12-10, 12-10, 9-11, 5-11 to India's Manav Thakkar and Taneesha Kotecha in the final.

The national team also enjoyed an impressive run in the team events, finishing runners-up in both the men's and women's competitions behind India.

The Table Tennis Association of Malaysia described the campaign as a historic breakthrough for the sport.

"This is our best-ever result in the history of the championships.

"This remarkable achievement is the result of the unwavering dedication of our athletes, coaches and support team, as well as the visionary leadership of our president Datuk Seri Tee Lip Sin.

"His passion, commitment and steadfast belief in Malaysian table tennis have helped pave the way for this historic success."

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