Roy King aims to extend reign after Europe high

PETALING JAYA: Doubles shuttler Yap Roy King hopes his good run in three back-to-back European tournaments will pave way for more glory.

Roy King has won four titles – one in men’s doubles with Mohd Nurfirdaus Azman and three with Valeree Siow in the mixed doubles, since his promotion to the senior back-up squad last year.

On Friday, he bagged his third mixed doubles title with Valeree after defeating Germany’s Johannes Pistorius-Emma Moszczynski 21-19 21-12 in the Ukraine International held in Kharkiv.

They also won at the Hellas International in Greece and Latvia International.

In Latvia, he also picked up the doubles title with Nurfirdaus.

The 20-year-old Roy King is pleased with his consistent showing.

“I’ve enjoyed a good trip in Europe and hope to keep this momentum going when I’m sent for other tournaments,” said Roy King, who trains under men’s doubles head coach Flandi Limpele.

“I will continue to focus on the men’s doubles, although I think I can do well in both. But the men’s doubles is my first option.”

Malaysia also won another title in Ukraine through Haikal Nazri-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi in the men’s doubles when the duo fought hard to beat India’s Ishaan Bhatnagar-K. Sai Pratheek 21-15 19-21 21-15 to win their second straight title.

They were also the champions in Greece.

RESULTS

Men’s singles: Priyanshu Rajawat (Ind) bt Sathish Kumar Karunakaran (Ind) 21-17 21-18.

Men’s doubles: Haikal Nazri-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi (Mas) bt Ishaan Bhatnagar-K.Sai Pratheek (Ind) 21-15 19-21 21-15.

Women’s singles: Polina Buhrova (Ukr) bt Dounia Pelupessy (Swi) 21-17 21-12.

Women’s doubles: Stine Kuspert-Emma Moszczynski (Ger) bt Mariia Stoliarenko-Yelyzaveta Zharka (Ukr) 21-18 19-21 21-15.

Mixed doubles: Yap Roy King-Valeree Siow (Mas) bt Johannes Pistorius-Emma Moszczynski (Ger) 21-19 21-12.