Penang’s Khor Jing Wen caused an upset with a win over favourites and second leg (Zone C) champion Odelia Wong Qiao Shi of Kuala Lumpur to march into the knockout rounds of the 100PLUS National Junior Grand Prix Finals in Seremban near here.
Jing Wen, who had previously played against Odelia in November last year, took advantage of Odelia’s off-form to win 21-11, 23-21 and confirmed her quarterfinals berth in the women’s Under-16 competition tomorrow.
“We’ve met on the courts last year but I didnt know much her style of play. But she was clearly tired today and I took advantage of that situation to press hard and win the match. An now, all I need is to focus on my next match,” said Jin Wei after the match.
In Group A, BAM’s Go Pei Kee had it easy over Kedah’s Cheng Sui Hui, winning her second group match to march on into the last eight.
Lim Qi Ling of Selangor came out tops in Group B afer defeating I Lenisyah of Melaka 21-14, 22-20.
In the men’s Under-16 competition, 15-year-old Arena Satu Samin carved out his second win to emerge tops in Group D, winning over Vibiana VIncent Ravindran of Perak to cruise into the quarterfinals. “I’m pretty satisfied with my overall performance even thoiugh there were some mistakes here and there. Right now, I’m feeling the pressure to deliver in the quarter finals, but at the same, I’m determined to make it all the way to the finals,” said Arena.
In Group B, The Jin Hong faced little resistance in winning over Muhd Atef Haikal Muhd Taufik 21-19, 21-15 to confirm his quarterfinals slot while Samuel Lee of Penang, winner of the second leg (Zone A) was the clear winner of Group B.
Johor’s Sharveen Muniandy provided some excitement with an upset win over first leg (Zone B) champion Jimmy Wong of Penang, taking over Group C with a 21-16, 21-17 win over the latter to march into the quarterfinals.
Earlier, Ng Yaw Pin completed his group matches on a high, winning the top spot in Group D while BAM’s Ong Zhen Yi was the clear winner in Group E after brushing aside Mohd Erfan Abd Rahman of 21-16, 21-10 in today’s last group match.
The men and women quarterfinal action takes place tomorrow morning (Saturday) while the semifinal matches (individual and doubles) are scheduled in the afternoon.
The on going 100PLUS National Junior Grand Prix Finals, sponsored by 100PLUS and held at the Negeri Sembilan Chinese Recreation Club, features young talents who excelled in the last two rounds. The tournament ends on Sunday.
