Ace in the pack: Jacky Kok upset senior Aidil Sholeh to help Avengers beat Transformers in the BAM mixed team championships yesterday.
PETALING JAYA: Promising youngster Jacky Kok earned himself a swift redemption when he stunned the more fancied Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin to steer Avengers to a narrow 6-5 win over Transformers in the BAM mixed team championships’ opener.
The 18-year-old Jacky turned in a spirited display to beat senior Aidil 15-12,8-15,11-7 in the third men’s singles battle – in the Sudirman Cup-style competition – at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) yesterday.
Jacky’s crucial victory had put the Avengers back in front at 5-4 after finding themselves trailing 3-4 at one stage.
It then paved way for trios Goh Soon Huat-Soh Wooi Yik-Tee Kai Wun to seal the sixth point when they overcame Chang Yee Jun-Man Wei Chong-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani 15-11,10-15,11-7 in the three-on-three contest.
Avengers captain Wooi Yik led by example when he teamed up with Chia Wei Jie to beat Yee Jun-Izzuddin 15-13,13-15,11-10 in the opening men’s doubles.
Soon Huat-Yee See (first mixed doubles), Cheam June Wei (first men’s singles) and Eoon Qi Xuan (second women’s singles) were other victors in the team.
But the day belonged to Jacky, who under-performed in the National Junior Ranking Challenge last week.
“It’s quite satisfying to be able win against a senior, something I failed to accomplish last week, ” said Jacky.
“We played our hearts out although it’s not an official tournament.
“I’m not going to get carried away with this win. I hope to beat Aidil again in a 21-point official match.
“What matters more this week is to win point for team Avengers. So happy to contribute a point, hope to do it for the next matches.”
The 16-year-old Justin Hoh also stole the show when he went down fighting 11-15,15-11,10-11 to Cheam June Wei.
“I made a costly mistake by tapping the shuttle to the net to gift June Wei the victory, it was so, so close to beating him!” lamented Justin.
June Wei was relieved to overcome a fierce challenge from Justin, who’s seven years his junior.
“He’s the youngest but plays without fear or pressure. I’m impressed with his strength and strategy, ” said June Wei.
In the other match, Lee Zii Jia-led Terminators easily brushed aside Dominators 7-4 with the world No. 10 defeating Ng Tze Yong 15-10,15-13 to provide the winning point.
