Lee Shun Yang put in an impressive shift on the final day of the National Junior Ranking Challenge on Saturday to brush aside Wyman Goh 21-13, 21-10 to clinch the internal juniors’ title and stake claim as one of the national top back-up shuttler.
This event pitted six shuttlers in a round-robin format with the juniors faring up against the seniors, and Lee came out on top with three victories and two losses.
The 19-year-old had also beaten Ter Chun Long and Jacky Kok en route to the title, while his two losses came against the younger Justin Hoh and Ong Ken Yon.
“I knew his game, so it was easier to play him and read his shots. I honestly didn’t expect to finish top, especially after losing against the juniors which I am still struggling to accept,” said Lee following his victory against Goh.
Lee came into this tournament as the defending national Under-21 champion and was tipped as one of the favourites to win the title.
But the Penangite got off to a disastrous start with back-to-back losses against Ong (19-21, 16-21) and Hoh (21-13, 16-21, 11-21) on the opening day.
Fortunately for Lee, he bounced back convincingly with three consecutive wins to dispatch Ter (21-11, 21-6) before beating Kok 21-13, 21-10 and finally Goh.
Lee, who trains with the senior team under chief coach Hendrawan is hoping to use this victory to gain more exposure on the international stage when the badminton season restarts next year.
Goh came in second in this event, followed by the impressive Hoh, Kok, Ong and Ter.
