Leong Jun Hao is one match away from clinching back-to-back titles at the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) Invitational Championships after he stormed into the final of the Division 1 on Saturday.
The former Asian Junior champion beat Lim Chong King 21-13, 21-16 to set up a final showdown against Ng Tze Yong, who overcame Aidil Soleh 21-19, 21-18 in an earlier match.
Despite carrying a right hip injury, Leong, who beat Lim to win the Division 2 title last week, overcame his opponent in straight sets to reach the final.
“I had been carrying this injury for some time, but felt it more during this match. I tried not to think about it too much and just concentrated on each point.
“The injuries to the other shuttlers paved the way for me to make the final, and I think I fought well to make it. I will play my best tomorrow (Sunday) and hope to win,” said Leong.
In total, the 21-year-old already played 11 matches in both divisions.
He won Division 2 with a perfect record, and lost twice in the first division.
His narrow defeat to Soong Joo Ven, however, was null and void after his opponent withdrew through a hamstring injury.
The men’s doubles meanwhile saw Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik defeat Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong 16-21, 21-9, 21-19 to make the final.
The world number nine pair did well to recover from the opening set defeat and reduced their unforced errors to seal the win.
Chia-Soh will go on to meet Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, who brushed aside Low Hang Yee-Ng Eng Cheong 21-15, 21-11.
