He went one better than last year – clinching a grand double in the 100PLUS National Badminton Junior Circuit Finals which ended in Seremban on Sunday – when Muhammad Fazriq Mohamad Razif not only retained his singles title but also the doubles in the Boys’ Under-14 category.
 
Muhammad Fazriq Mohamad Razif defeated his doubles partner Justin Hoh Shou Wei 21-19, 21-13 in 38 minutes in the singles final. 
 
The two had earlier teamed up to beat Choi Jian Sheng-Dylan Ooi Ding Sheng to take the doubles with a 21-12, 21-16 victory in only 20 minutes.
 
It was an all-BAM (Badminton Association of Malaysia) affair in both finals – giving strong signals that there is plenty of badminton talent at the grassroots in the country.
 
“Of course I am happy and delighted to win a double in Seremban. Last year I only managed to win the singles,” said Fazriq after his wins.
 
Fazriq’s father is former Thomas Cupper and Olympian, Datuk Razif Sidek who hailed the 100PLUS Junior Circuit as the “right and proper place to tap young talent” that can be groomed into world beaters with the right coaching and international exposure.
 
And Negri Sembilan seems to be a happy hunting ground for Fazriq and Justin. Fazriq won the National Schools (MSSM) Under-15 singles and the doubles with Justin in Port Dickson in March this year.
Razif described his son’s achievements in the 100PLUS Junior Circuit Finals as “remarkable” as Fazriq trained only in the last two weeks before the Finals because he was nursing a hamstring injury.
Playing in two events – the singles and the doubles – is taxing but Fazriq has yet to decide whether he will stick to the singles or doubles.
 
“For now I am enjoying playing in both the singles and the doubles,” said Fazriq after his wins in the 100PLUS National Junior Circuit Finals.
 
And Razif too has given his blessings to his son “so that he can enjoy both events while still at the grooming stage” before the son decides on his own what is best for him.
 
“I see him equally at home in both events. However, he is tired after his events…but with age on his side recovery is fast,” said Razif who makes it a point to be with his son at all tournaments, both local and overseas.
 
“I see a bright future for Fazriq in the sport. However, he is still learning the tricks of the trade in badminton and is ready to make the sacrifices,” added Razif. – BY RIZAL ABDULLAH
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