Defending champion Arena Satu Samin of Sabah is seeded only 5/8 in the 100PLUS National Junior Grand Prix Finals which begin at the Negeri Sembilan Chinese Recreation Club in Seremban on Wednesday.
However, the Sabah lass is not disturbed with the seeding in the much looked forward junior championships which will be played under a new format this year.
Instead, Arena, who is not in the Malaysian team to this year’s Badminton Asia Junior Championships which will be held in Suzhou, China from July 20-28, has taken the challenge to retain her Girls’ Under-16 singles title in the 100PLUS Grand GP Finals.
Last year Arena swept the title with a hard-fought 17-21, 21-14, 21-16 win over Isabel Liau Pei Yi of Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) for her maiden win in the 100PLUS GP Finals held at the same venue.
“I admit that it will be a tough journey for me this year. However, it does not mean I have surrendered. Instead, I am determined to retain my title,” said Arena who opens her campaign with a first-round match against Amanda Yap Hwa Leng of Kuala Lumpur.
“I have this feeling of confidence although I know every opponent will be tough. With this in mind, I have put in extra hours in my training.”
The top seed in the Girls’ Under-16 singles is Tan Zhing Yi while the second seed is Joanne Ng May Yin, both of BAM. Incidentally, both face opponents from Johor in the first round. Zhing Yi takes on Lim Shin while May Yin is up against Hoe Shi Yun.
Selangor’s K. Letshanaa and Vanessa Ng Po Lyn are seeded 3/4. Other seeds in the 5/8 bracket, apart from Arena, are Evelyn Ng Yan Ni (Pahang), Khor Jing Wen (BAM) and Lee Xin Jie (BAM).
100PLUS is also the title sponsor for the 100PLUS National Junior Inter-State Circuit which will be held November this year.
100PLUS, the nation’s No.1 isotonic beverage, is the Official Beverage sponsor for all BAM events and activities including the Malaysian Open and the Malaysian Masters. Datuk Wira Lee Chong Wei and Jin Wei are currently 100PLUS Brand Ambassadors.
100PLUS will be the ideal drink for the young players competing in the junior circuit. Consuming the non-carbonated beverage will help the players achieve peak performances during events.
100PLUS ACTIVE builds on the brand’s sports heritage and functional credentials to target sporty, fitness-seeking consumers looking for a no-fizz thirst-quencher that can rehydrate, replenish, and re-energise them during and after their fitness regimen.
100PLUS, a Silver Sponsor for Kuala Lumpur 2017 SEA Games and Para Games, is synonymous with supporting sports in the country. Apart from BAM, 100PLUS also supports the Football Association of Malaysia. 100PLUS is also the Official Isotonic beverage for the Malaysian Football League.
100PLUS is committed to youth development programmes and currently supports Liga KPM (under MSSM). 100PLUS is the recommended drink of the National Sports Council.
