Kumamoto Masters Japan 2024: Loh Kean Yew exits in first round ...

Loh Kean Yew’s stay in Japan was again brief as the Singaporean shuttler lost in the opening round in straight sets to Lei Lan Xi at the BWF Kumamoto Masters Japan 2024 on Wednesday (13 November).

Loh - who also tripped up at the first hurdle of the Japan Open in August - was eliminated 21-19, 21-19 by his Chinese opponent in their first career meeting at the Kumamoto Prefectural Gymnasium.

Loh was on the back-foot pretty much for the entirety of the 38 minutes against the world No. 28.

In the first game, Loh scored the first point and had a 4-3 lead but beyond that, it was all Lei the rest of the way. The second set was an uphill battle from the start as Lei grabbed a 10-4 advantage, making the former world champion work for his money.

Loh did well to come back to restore parity at 12 points apiece and moved ahead on the next point. The two traded point for point but with the match at 19-19, Lei won the final two points of the match to have the last laugh.

Since the Olympic Games Paris 2024 where he reached the quarter-finals, Loh has had three first-round exits, not venturing beyond the last eight in five tournaments.