Malaysia Open matches disrupted by leaking roof at Axiata Arena

 

Organisers were forced to use cloths to mop up the water that leaked through the roof and affected Court 2 and Court 3. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: 

A couple of opening-day ties at the Malaysia Open had to be delayed today due to a leaking roof at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil here.

A downpour resulted in water seeping through the roof, with water affecting Court 2 and Court 3.

The organisers could be seen using cloths to wipe the courts dry.

During the incident, Malaysian women’s doubles pair Goh Pei Kee-Teoh Mei Xing were taking on China’s Jia Yi Fan-Zhang Shu Xian on Court 2 while India’s HS Prannoy was in action against Canadian Brian Yang on Court 3 in the men’s singles.

At that point, Pei Kee-Mei Xing were trailing 10-11 in the first game while Prannoy was leading 6-3 in the second game after winning the first 21-12.

Malaysia Stadium Corporation (PSM) CEO Ilyas Jamil attributed the leakage to roof replacement work carried out at the Axiata Arena since last April.

He said the inclement weather, coupled with strong winds, made the situation worse and led to rainwater leaking onto the courts.

“This is the first time such an incident has occurred. We have detected the leak and rectified it to ensure there will be no recurrence.

“We used a canvas to seal the leak,” he said.

Meanwhile, Badminton World Federation (BWF) event director (tournament operations) S Selvaamresh said BWF is evaluating the situation before deciding whether to postpone several matches that will be held today.

He added that any decision regarding the matter would be announced by 10pm.

“We are going to discuss it and we are not playing beyond 1am,” he said. - FMT