Justin’s a single-minded shuttler
While his partner Mohd Fazriq Razif is still torn between the singles or doubles, up-and-coming shuttler Justin Hoh seems to have made up his mind.
The 16-year-old Justin has until next year to decide but he has already chosen – it’s the singles for him.
At junior level, it is normal for shuttlers to play in both events and then specialise in one discipline as they edge towards the end of their junior career, normally at 17.
Justin has proven himself in both disciplines as he’s currently ranked 10th both in the world for the boys’ singles and also boys’ doubles with Fazriq.
In March, he performed admirably in the German Junior Open by making it to the boys’ singles semi-finals.
It was even more impressive given that the meet was an Under-19 event and also a top-rated meet in the international junior circuit.
“Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I’ll choose singles,” said Justin.
“Although I’m playing in both events now, I’m always more focused on the singles.
“My family and coaches have given me the freedom to choose, and this is my personal decision.”
For Fazriq, though, it’s certainly a tougher decision given his family influence.
Fazriq is the son of former doubles great Razif Sidek, who won a bronze medal with his brother Jalani at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.
The other famous Sidek brothers are Misbun, Rashid and Rahman, who focused more on the singles.
“Fazriq and I have not discussed it yet,” said Justin.
“If I’m not mistaken, Fazriq wants to give the singles a shot too. If it doesn’t work then he will concentrate on doubles.
“We both have made some progress in the doubles, but when it’s time to choose, we just have to.”
Justin said he idolises Lee Chong Wei, Lin Dan and Kento Momota and models his style of play after them.
“I love watching Chong Wei play. I always watch and study the footage of his game,” said Justin.
“His attacking game is amazing and I try to incorporate that into my game.
“It’s always good to learn from the greats, so I do take a look at Lin Dan and Momota too.”