KUALA LUMPUR, 15 Oct – Justin Hoh is set to confirm his slot in the November playoffs of the 100PLUS National Junior Ranking Challenge 2020 badminton tournament after taking the co-leadership of Group A boys singles at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara here today.
The fourth day of the youth ranking tournament saw a handful of close competition as players jostled for positions to determine their respective rankings and be eligible to play against the national back up players next month.
Justin – playing in Group A of the boys singles, almost certainly to qualify for the November playoffs alongside Jacky Kok Jing Hong after the two emerged at the top of standings.
Justin won in straight set 21-19, 21-18 over Ong Zhen Yi for his sixth win after seven games, and currently shares 6 points with Jacky who also recorded a straight set victory 21-13, 21-16 over Chia Jeng Hon.
“Overall I am satisfied with my game today. The coach pointed out that I made a lot of mistakes on the first day (of competition), and he wanted me to be more patient if I want to win.
“Now I am more comfortable with the game and ready to play against the senior players,” said Justin.
The top three players in Group A of the boys’ singles will get to play against the national back-up players in November.
Meanwhile, Eogene Ewe Eon was in firm control of Group B boys singles after stamping his authority to pick up his seventh win in seven matches played.
In the morning session, Eogene overcame Jan Jireh Lee 20-22, 21-13, 21-17 before defeating Low Han Chen 21-10, 21-15 in the afternoon session to maintain his perfect record.
Dylan Ooi Ding Sheng is currently second in Group B with 6 points.
In Group C of the boys singles, two players – Lok Hong Quan and Aaron Tai are in contention for the leadership.
Meanwhile, Siti Nurshuhaini Azman is in the lead of Group B for the girls singles category after winning both matches today.
She collected six points to confirm her slot to the next round.
“I have a lot more games ahead of me and of course, I want to do well,” said Nurshuhaini.
“I have reached about 70 percent of the ‘tournament feel’ and I hope to remain consistent in the next match.”
Shuhaini beat Loh Zhi Wei 21-17, 21-14 in the morning as she then followed it up with a 21-10, 21-11 straight set victory over Chong Jie Yu.
Joining Nurshuhaini in the next round will be Zhe Wei who is currently ranked second in the group.
Group C saw fierce competition between Oo Shan Zi and Carmen Ting for the top two positions.
In the boys doubles category, Muhd. Haikal Azhawari Osman/Wan Muhd, Arif Wan Junaidi sprang a surprise to take over the top spot when they beat leaders Beh Chun Meng/Goh Boon Zhe in a three set thriller 17-21, 21-18, 21-18.
A total of 75 singles players as well as boys and girls doubles players under the age of 18 years old are camping at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara from October 12 to 16 for the group stage of the 100PLUS National Junior Ranking Challenge 2020.
The playoffs have been scheduled for October 20-23 which will determine the ranking of the players in each division.
The top three boys singles players and the top two players in the girls singles category from each group will be eligible to play in the ‘playoff’ stage of the tournament.
They will also get to play against the national back up players from November 3 to 6 at the Malaysian Badminton Academy (BAM).
The 100PLUS National Junior Ranking Challenge 2020 is the first competition held behind closed doors involving teenage players.
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