Kuala Lumpur: 16-year-old Goh Jin Wei officially became Malaysia’s No. 1 women’s singles player, after beating teammate Soniia Cheah Su Ya 21-17, 21-12 to claim the Malaysia National Circuit GP Finals at Juara Stadium on Sunday.
The Penang-born 2015 World Junior Champion was the second-youngest women’s player to ever win the Malaysia national crown after Ng Mee Fen did it in 1988, except Ng was six months younger than Goh when she clinched that title. Goh took home RM8,000 with her victory on Sunday.
In men’s singles, World No. 104 surprised everyone after rising from brink of defeat, saving two match point to take second set 23-21 against team-mate Chong Yee Han. Lim ended his first set in dismal fashion after going down 4-21. Fortunately, Lim continued to build on his newfound momentum to close out the decider 21-13 for his maiden national championships.
“I am happy with my victory today. I hope I can do better next year to improve my ranking to world’s top 60,” said Lim. He was awarded with RM14,000 in prize money for winning the men’s single title.
World No. 9 pair Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing mastered Hoo Pang Ron-Shevon Lai Jemie in a 27-minute final to win the mixed doubles match 21-14, 21-10.
The Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi were left to celebrate a tougher than expected encounter against Goh Sze Wei-Nur Izzuddin Mohd Rumsani, having been forced to play in 51 minutes before prevailed with 11-21, 21-17, 21-17 in the men’s doubles final.
Earlier Sunday, Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yean defeated Amelia Alicia Anscelly-Teoh Mei Xing 21-19, 21-14 to lift the women’s doubles crown.
