KUALA LUMPUR – In a thrilling finale at the Penang Badminton Association (PBA) Hall, the Penang Under-16 boys’ team claimed the 100Plus National Interstate Team Championships title, defeating Melaka 2-1.
Determined to improve on last year’s fourth-place finish, the islanders showcased their prowess by defeating defending champions Kedah in the semi-finals, setting the stage for an exhilarating final.
In the opening match, the highly-rated Kong Wei Xiang, fresh off his boys’ singles title victory at the Junior Elite Tour Finals in June, faced a fierce challenge from Melaka’s Curson Cheng Yu Yang.
After a gripping 55-minute duel, Wei Xiang emerged victorious, securing the first point for Penang with a score of 21-19, 21-16.
However, Melaka wasn’t ready to concede just yet. They fought back in the boys’ doubles, with Ungku Ameer-Syed Harraz edging past Penang’s Khaw Kai Shyang-Low Quan Yi 21-17, 21-18, levelling the score.
The championship hinged on the pivotal second boys’ singles, where Louis Lee Qi Jun faced off against Wan Muhamad Darwisy.
After a hard-fought exchange lasting 52 minutes, Louis sealed the deal for Penang with a 21-15, 21-17 victory, clinching the championship title.
In the U-16 girls’ category, Perak triumphed over Kuala Lumpur 2-1.
Kuala Lumpur’s Ong Xin Ru opened with a singles win over Mun Lee 21-18, 21-18, but Perak equalized when A. Baavanya and Balqis Safia Zahra won the doubles 10-21, 21-12, 21-18.
Nur Aina Maisarah Muhammad Hatta sealed the victory for Perak in the final singles, defeating Wong Au Mel 19-21, 21-9, 21-12.
Meanwhile, Selangor dominated the U-12 category, taking both the girls’ and boys’ titles.
The U-12 girls defeated Putrajaya 2-1, while the boys swept Kedah 2-0, underscoring Selangor’s strength. — October 27, 2024