Malaysia storm into final

MALAYSIA caused a major upset in the mixed team event of the Badminton World Junior Championships in Yogyakarta yesterday.

The Malaysian team reached the final for the second straight year by overcoming South Korea 3-0. They will face China, who defeated Japan 3-1 in the other semi-final tie, for the gold medal today.

Bukit Jalil Sports School coach Kwan Yoke Meng said he was proud of his shuttlers for reaching the final again.

“China are the best here, but we will try to give a fight. We hold a slight edge in the boys’ and girls’ singles, and hopefully we can pressure China by winning both points,” said Yoke Meng yesterday.

In last year’s final, 11-time winners China thrashed Malaysia 30 in Spain.

Yesterday, Malaysia earned their points through Ng Eng Cheong-Tan Sueh Jeou (mixed doubles), Leong Jun Hao (boys’ singles) and Goh Jin Wei (girls’ singles).

BA of Malaysia president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria said Malaysia’s entry into the final proves that the association have a world class development programme.

“Our players won their respective matches in straight games today. It is something to be proud of. I hope they will continue the momentum in the final,” said Norza.

The only time Malaysia were champions in the mixed team event was in the 2011 Taiwan edition. Helmi Talkah