Penang continue to rule and reign supreme in the national junior circuit scene after clinching three titles in the 100PLUS National Inter-State Team Under 16 & 12 which ended here, today.
Penang were simply a class above their rivals as they continue to prove their dominance with the Boys Under 16, Girls Under 16 and Girls Under 12 taking home the champions’ titles after four days of competition.
The Boys Under 16 squad were given an early boost following Ong Zhen Yi’s victory over Lincoln Isaac Shim in the first singles which saw the former winning the first set 21-14 in less than 20 minutes. Ong faced some resistance in the second set and lost his focus as Lincoln piled on the pressure for a rubber game. At 20-16, Lincoln grabed three points but Ong kept his composure to finally finish off the game 21-19 to give Penang the lead.
“The first set went smoothly, no troubles. But I felt the pressure to finish off the game quickly and made mistakes. At 20-16, Lincoln managed to get three points but I was lucky to finish off the game,” said Ong Zhen Yi after the match.
Sabah tried to draw level in the doubles tie with high hopes on 100PLUS junior Circuit runner up Demond Anthony Samin and Naldo Fung to deliver the results. But Penang’s doubles pair of Goh Boon Zhe/Rayner Beh Chun Meng kept the Sabahans at bay to win 21-14, 21-15.
“We tried our level best but our opponents were simply better. We’ll continue to work hard and improve ourselves for future tournaments,” said Demond Anthony.
It was a tight battle in the Girls Under 16 with national junior Under 16 champion Arena Samin Satu providing the advantage for Sabah following her easy 21-9, 21-12 win over Lee Xin Jee.
However, Penang got back into the game with doubles pair of Khor Jing Wen-Teoh Lexuan brushing aside Goh Shuen Tong-Velerry Yap 21-10, 21-16 in just 30 minutes to force a decider. “The pressure was simply immense as we need to force a decider after losing the first singles. We’re very happy as this is our first major title,” said Kor Jing Wen.
Tan Zhing Yi then stepped up confidently in the decider, trouncing Wong Bon Jie with a convincing 21-7, 21-8 win in 19 minutes to hand Penang the Girls Under 16 title.
The Girls Under 12 team then completed a major feat for Penang as they beat third seed Johor 2-0 in the finals.
“It was a great achievement for the team and all players as we took home three titles from this year’s Championship. We will continue to work hard and raise our standard apart from unearthing more talented players from the State for future competitions,” said Penang coach Razlan Rajan Abdullah.
Selangor took home the Boys Under 12 title after defeating Johor 2-0 in the other finals.
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).
100PLUS, the nation’s No.1 isotonic beverage, is the Official Beverage sponsor for all BAM events and activities
(RESULTS)
ALL FINALS:
Boys Team U16
(1) Penang bt Sabah 2-0
Singles 1: Ong Zhen Yi bt Lincoln Isaac Shim 21-14, 21-19
Doubles:Goh Boon Zhe/Rayner Beh Chun Meng bt Demond Anthony Samin/Naldo Fung 21-14, 21-15
Girls Team U16
(3) Penang bt (4) Sabah 2-1
Singles 1: Lee Xin Jee lost to Arena Satu Samin 21-9, 21-12
Doubles: Khor Jing Wen/Teoh Lexuan bt Goh Shuen Tong/Velerry Yap 21-10, 21-16
Singles 2: Tan Zhing Yi bt Wong Bon Jie 21-7, 21-8
Boys Team Under 12
(2) Selangor bt Johor 2-0
Girls Team Under 12
Penang bt (3) Johor 2-0
