The inaugural 3V3 TotalEnergies x Li-Ning Cup concluded last weekend at Sunway Velocity Mall, where the GLS Team emerged as champions in a thrilling Grand Finale, securing victories in both the Men’s Under-30 and Mixed Fun categories.
Mohd Zahir, Mohd Amirul, and Ooi Zi Heng, who had previously triumphed in the Penang leg last month, showcased their prowess as the best team in the country.
They defeated Team Adhoc’s Cheng Chee Tiong, Tee Siang Lun, and Yong Yo Chen with a score of 21-13, 21-12 in the Men’s Under-30 final on Sunday.
The two-day event unfolded at the mall’s Main Atrium, creating an electrifying atmosphere that captivated spectators.
Shoppers and passersby not only enjoyed the top-notch performances from the competitors but also gained insight into the excitement of 3V3 badminton.
Zi Heng and Amirul, along with their younger teammate Lee Kai Xun, had previously joined forces to secure the Mixed Fun title, a category mandating the involvement of at least one Under-15 player.
In a riveting contest, the trio emerged victorious in an epic battle against RBA’s Soh Aik Yong, Ng Jin Ping, and Tew Zi Feng, triumphing with a scoreline of 17-21, 21-19, 21-19.
The Men’s Above-30 contest saw Team Hou Hooi, comprising three former national players, Ng Kean Kok, Hong Chien Hun and Chow Pak Chuu, coming out tops.
They edged Ang Teik Yang, Lim Chin Loon and Goh Chen Chai of MEBT 21-17, 21-18.
In the Mixed Open category, where teams must field at least one female player, Sim Han Min, Tan Chew Ping, and Quah Aan Yang from Muar Star BC emerged victorious, outplaying Smash X-Team’s Alvin Chan, Kow Wui Keat and Amelia Yap 21-13, 21-10.
The national champions in all four categories secured the well-deserved prize money of RM12,000 in cash along with RM9,000 worth of products.
As for the runners-up, they took home a respectable sum of RM6,000 in cash, coupled with an additional RM4,500 worth of products.
Amirul was delighted with the victory, stating that the strong friendship forged between the three of them was the key to their success.
“We entered this tournament with the goal of more than just winning; we wanted to strengthen our friendship along the way. We played with the spirit of either winning together or losing together,” said Amirul.
“We were able to stay consistent and maintain our game at the highest level for both days.”
Former Malaysian badminton legend Tan Boon Heong and Goh Liu Ying also graced the Grand Finale with their presence.
Tan Boon Heong joined Jennifer Li, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Malaysia, Dato Sri Sam Soh, Director of Sunlight Sports and Simon Soh, Business Development Head of Li-Ning Malaysia in officiating the closing ceremony of the 3V3 TotalEnergies x Li-Ning Cup 2023.
