Defending champion Arena Satu Samin of Sabah will face her arch-rival K. Letshanaa of Selangor for the Girls’ Under-16 crown in the 100PLUS National Junior Circuit Finals after coming through tough three-set battles in the semi-finals in Seremban on Saturday.
The Boys’ Under-16 final will be between last year’s Under-14 singles and doubles champion Muhammad Fazriq Razif, who is also the top seed, and unseeded Hooi Shao Herng of Kuala Lumpur.
The Girls’ Under-16 final will be a repeat of the 2nd-leg final in Johor Bahru in May and gives the confident Letshanaa the chance for revenge. Letshanaa lost to Arena in Johor Bahru 21-15, 16-21, 16-21.
Letshanaa is playing with lots of confidence at the Negri Sembilan Chinese Recreation Club and this was reflected in her 21-18, 10-21, 21-14 win when she packed off top seed Tan Zhang Yi (BAM/Penang) in a 54-minute match.
Letshanaa was rattled in the second game when she received a yellow card from the umpire for “misconduct” for questioning a linesman but came back strong to stake her claim in the final.
“It was a close point for point battle in the first game. In the second game, the yellow card for misconduct affected my play but I recovered in the decider and my fighting spirit won the game and the match,” said Letshanaa.
Arena, who has taken one match at a time, took 55-minutes to subdue a stubborn Khor Jing Wen (BAM/Penang) 13-21, 24-22, 21-18 and attributed her win to her coach for giving crucial tips when the chips were down.
“I did not get my rhythm in the first game but thanks to my coach I managed to swing the match my way after a close call in the second. That was the turning point for me to regain my touch and confidence.
“For now what I need is a good rest and work out my plans for the final later at night. Latshanaa is playing really well but I am determined to retain my title,” said Arena who hails from Kota Belud.
Fazriq hailed as a future star and fresh from winning the World Badminton Under-15 Invitational in Japan last Sunday, defeated Anson Cheong Yan Feng (BAM/Perak) 21-16, 21-18 in 37 minutes.
He faces Shao Herng for the title but is taking a cautious approach against the unseeded Kuala Lumpur hope.
“The first game was a point for point battle. In the second game, I was leading 20-11 at one stage but lost focus in my eagerness to wrap up the match. However, I recovered in time to win the match,” said Fazriq, son of former Olympian and Thomas Cupper Datuk Razif Sidek.
“I have to take a cautious approach in the final as my opponent is unseeded and is the underdog. I am pleased with my overall performance so far. I expect a tough match for the title”
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.
RESULTS (SEMI-FINALS)
SINGLES
BOYS’ UNDER-16
Muhammad Fazriq Sidek (BAM/KUL) beat Anson Cheong Yan Feng (BAM/Prk) 21-16, 21-18
Hooi Shao Herng (KUL) beat Justin Hoh Shou Wei (BAM/KUL) 21-15, 21-15
GIRLS’ UNDER-16
Arena Satu Samin (Sbh) beat Khor Jing Wen (BAM/Pen) 13-21, 24-22, 21-18
K. Letshanaa (Sgr) beat Tan Zhang Yi (BAM/Pen) 21-18, 10-21, 21-14
