The understrength women's team from Hong Kong of China was forced out of the badminton team competition in the first round at the Asian Games here on Saturday.

Hong Kong players made their Malaysian opponents work hard but had to settle for the 3-1 loss.

"I wished I could win this game. I think we squandered some good opportunities for points. What a pity," said Chan Kaka Tsz Ka.

Chan and Chau Hoi Wah lost to Vivian Hoo/Yin Loo Lim, 21-17, 18-21, 18-21 in the women's doubles in the fourth match that led to the 3-1 loss.

Previously, Doha Asian Games runner-up Yip Pui Yin fell to Wong Mew Choo 22-20, 18-21, 18-21 before Chan leveled the aggregate score by beating Lydia Cheah 10-21, 21-17, 21-19. Then Tse Ying Suet could not find a way to get over Tee Jing Yi, losing 21-19, 6-21, 13-21.

"In general, Hong Kong team is not as strong as the Malaysians," said Chan.

Malaysian Yin Loo Lim said that they took advantage of Hong Kong player's fatigue as Chan took to the court for the doubles match just 30 minutes after her singles contest.

"The key is strategy. When we were losing in the second set, we became more aggressive by using smashes in the back court and attacking the front court to get some results," she said. "Our coach told us to be in quick pace as they (Hong Kong players) could have a stamina problem," she said.

The Hong Kong team was heavily reduced before the Asian Games as former world number one Zhou Mi was banned for two years due to a positive doping test for clenbuterol.

(Xinhua News Agency November 13, 2010)