KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia’s junior shuttlers are hoping to build momentum once again as the World Junior Championships individual events commence on Monday.
Malaysia concluded their mixed team (Suhandinata Cup) campaign yesterday, falling in the semi-finals with a 110-76 loss to hosts China in Nanchang.
China will face 2019 champions Indonesia in today’s final after Indonesia narrowly edged out Japan in a closely contested second semi-final, winning by just five points, 110-105.
Despite the defeat, Malaysia secured a bronze medal, repeating their achievement from the previous edition held in Spokane, United States.
Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM)’s outgoing junior head coach, Jeffer Rosobin, expressed his disappointment for his players but acknowledged that they gave their all during the team event.
Jeffer, who will move to the women’s singles department after completing his World Junior Championships assignment, told Scoop that he wants to leave on a high note, both for himself and the players.
“Of course, we feel disappointed because we had come so far. In fact, Ong Xin Yee (girls’ singles) won the first of 10 games, but unfortunately, we couldn’t maintain the momentum.
“We tried to mount a comeback, but it wasn’t enough. Regardless, I am very proud of the players as they all gave their best.
“Now we look forward to the individual events,” said the Indonesian, who joined the national setup late last year.
Based on his observations during the team event, Jeffer remains optimistic about Malaysia’s chances of adding more medals to this year’s campaign.
“I believe we can win more medals, particularly in the boys’ doubles, girls’ singles, and doubles.
“We also won bronze in the girls’ singles and doubles at this year’s Asian Junior Championships,” added Jeffer.
For the record, Malaysia has only won the mixed team event once (in 2011), since its introduction in 2000. The last time Malaysia reached the final was in 2017. — October 5, 2024