Defending champion Penang remained on track and kept their winning record intact to march into the quarterfinals of the Boys Team Under-16 of the 100PLUS National Inter-State Under 12 & 16 Championships, held today in Kota Bharu today.
Wah Jia Wei put Penang on the lead in their last match against Perlis (Group A), notching an easy 21-13, 21-11 over Lai Jia King in just 26 minutes while Goh Boon Zhe/Rayner Beh confirmed Penangās victory after thrashing Thow Ren Qin/Soo Wai Meng 21-11, 21-16 in 23 minutes. Penang took top spot while Sabah joined the last four after emerging runner-up in Group A.
Second seed Kedah reigned supreme in Group Band along with either Negeri Sembilan or Perak, will play in tomorrowās quarterfinals at the PBNK Hall.
It was a close tussle in Group C as Selangor lead the challenge to take top spot (at press time) leaving with Pahang or Sarawak to battle for the remaining quarterfinal ticket.
In the Girls Under 16, top seed Johor made it to the quarterfinals after finishing tops in Group A. In their last group match against Kelantan, Hoe Shi Yun opened accounts with an easy 21-9, 21-13 win over Goo Vie Nie in the first singles followed by doubles pair of Dyvylya Saha-Goh Pei Kee and Myisha Khairul in the last singles. Kuala Lumpur also made the cut into last eight after placing themselves second.
Selangor were through from Group B after winning with identical scores of 2-1 over Negeri Sembilan and Kedah. Third seed Penang ensured their berth after notching three convincing wins over Pahang (3-0) Terengganu (3-0) and Perlis (3-0). Pahang, however, squeezed through after ending their group campaign in second spot.
Melaka came out tops in Group D, ensuring their place in tomorrowās quarterfinals along with Sabah who completed their round robin matches on second.
In the Boys Under 12 competition, Penang remained as favourites after clinching two straight wins in their Group A matches to book their quarterfinals spot, along with top seed Sabah who finished second in the Group.
In Group B, second seed Selangor and Kedah are through to the quarterfinals while Johor came out tops in Group C to join the last four with third seed Kuala Lumpur.
Unseeded Melaka continue to impress after finishing their Group D matches with flying colours, topping the group and marched into the last eight along with Sarawak.
The quarterfinal and semifinal ties commence tomorrow (Friday) while the finals of both the Under 16 (Boys and Girls) and Under 12 (Boys and Girls) take place on Saturday.
The 100PLUS National Inter-State Under 12 & Under 16 Championships serve as a perfect platform for young Malaysian shuttlers to hone their skills as they work towards becoming national players and pursuing a professional career in the sport.
100PLUS is also the title sponsor for the 100PLUS National Junior Circuit (Under-12, Under-14 and Under 16).
