Shuttler Seng Zoe stretched before edging Tze Yong for singles title

PETALING JAYA: Independent shuttler Yeoh Seng Zoe (pic) proved that he is still the king of the National Junior Championships when he fended off a spirited challenge from Ng Tze Yong to win the boys’ singles crown in Sabah.

The 21-year-old Seng Zoe saved four match points in the rubber game to beat top seed Tze Yong 9-21, 21-17, 25-23 to make it two wins in two legs of the Under-21 meet.

Seng Zoe also pipped the Tze Yong, who’s three years his junior, to the title in his hometown Penang earlier in March.

“Tze Yong has improved so much compared to the last time we met in Penang. This time the match went down to the wire,” said Seng Zoe.

“When it went to deuce, it could be anybody’s game. Perhaps, I won by a bit of luck.”

Seng Zoe, who trains at the Sports Affairs badminton academy headed by former international Rashid Sidek, is eager to carry this winning momentum into international tournaments next year where he bids for a breakthrough win.

“I hope I can achieve better on the international stage. I came close to winning one title this year after making the semi-finals at the Indonesian International Challenge in October.

“I also aim to break into the world top 100,” said the world No. 216.

Seng Zoe spent two years with the national team from 2015 to 2017 but his progress was hampered by injury.

He was then a promising youngster from Looi Badminton Academy, making heads turn when he defeated two Bukit Jalil Sports School players en route to winning the Under-18 title in the National Junior Circuit Grand Prix Finals.

Meanwhile, Tze Yong was not disheartened despite failing to avenge his previous defeat to Seng Zoe.

“Tough luck,” said Tze Yong, the winner of the Pahang leg last year.

“I had four match point opportunities but failed to make the most of them.

“Seng Zoe was more steady during crucial moments, so credit to him.

“But I’m still happy with my overall performance this week.”