SINGAPORE — It was a case of deja vu for national shuttler Derek Wong at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Tuesday (April 12), as the 27-year-old suffered an early exit from the OUE Singapore Open in a repeat of the result from last year’s tournament.

Wong, who is ranked 60th in the world, saw his campaign at the US$350,000 Superseries event coming to an abrupt end after a loss to his lower-ranked opponent, Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yu-hsien (116), in the second round of the men’s singles qualifiers.

The Singaporean had initially been on track for a spot in the main draw after posting a 2-0 victory over Malaysia’s Soo Teck Zhi in the first round of qualifying on Tuesday. But Wong, who had won two out of three past matches against the Taiwanese, lost 21-14, 21-16.

“I am disappointed, but my opponent played a better game. I had no answer to his strengths,” said Wong.

With crucial qualifying points for the Rio Olympics on offer at the Singapore Open - the final Superseries event before the qualifying window closes in May - the journey to Brazil is about to get tougher for Wong.

Singapore Badminton Association chief coach Chua Yong Joo said he will help the 2014 Commonwealth Games silver medallist regain his form. Pointing to a lack of “fire” in Wong’s game, he said: “He must show (more) desire to win. I find that lacking in his game.”

In mixed doubles action, Singapore’s world No 28 pair Danny Bawa Chrisnanta and Vanessa Neo was eliminated in the first round after a 21-12, 21-13 loss to Jacco Arends and Selena Piek (14) of the Netherlands.

But Terry Hee and Tan Wei Han (53) upset the higher-ranked Solgyu Choi and Eom Hye Won (13) of South Korea 21-19, 21-17 to qualify for the next round.