Kuala Terengganu: Inspiration comes from a lot of different places, but one thing that can always sweep us from under our feet is a great sports underdog.
After a turbulent career at Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), the two ex-BAM players Mak Hee Chun/Tan Bin Shen who used to be nobodies after leaving BAM have somehow made their way to become somebodies. After winning the Sabah Open two weeks ago, Mak Hee Chun and Tan Bin Shen have every reason to smile again on Tuesday as they defeated BAM’s back-up shuttlers Tan Wee Gieen and Teo Ee Yi 21-18, 21-15 in 35 minutes to win their first ever national men’s doubles title.
En route to the final of National GP Finals, Mak-Tan won a three set thriller on Monday over Commonwealth Games champion Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong.
After being beaten in the semi-final for the last two years, Zulfadli Zulkiffli, the 2012 world junior champion’s dream of becoming Malaysian champion finally came true when he ended 19-year-old Lim Chi Wing’s gallant run in the tournament by crushing Lim in the men’s singles final 21-12, 21-15 in 49 minutes.
“It feels great to win the national title at my third attempt. I am excited to end the year on a high note. However, I will keep my focus and continue to win so that I can move up to top 24 to qualify for the 2016 Olympics,” said Zulfadli.
Scratch pair Soong Fie Cho-Amelia Alicia Anscelly pulled off another upset of the day when they toppled top seeds Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yean 21-17, 21-14 for the women’s doubles title. Meanwhile, it was a special day for Mohd Lutfi Zaim Bin Abdul Khalid-Soong Fie Cho, when they triumphed over Tan Aik Quan-Lai Pei Jing 21-15, 21-14 to take the mixed doubles title.
Top seed Yang Li Lian able to weather a belated challenge from 17-year-old Lee Ying Ying with a 21-16,21-13 win to crown women’s singles champion.
