Early test of character: Justin Hoh in action against Hong Kong’s Chan Yin Chak during Malaysia’s opening Group D match at the Hi-Tech Sports Center on Saturday.
CHENGDU: Singles shuttler Justin Hoh has the attributes to succeed at the highest level if his debut showing in the Thomas Cup Finals is anything to go by.
The 20-year-old Justin was surprisingly thrust into action in the third singles ahead of world No. 63 Cheam June Wei and he didn’t disappoint.
In fact, he justified the faith of his coaches with a rousing 21-17, 19-21, 21-17 win against Chan Yin Chak to give Malaysia a 5-0 victory over Hong Kong in the opening Group D match at the Hi-Tech Zone Sports Center yesterday.
Malaysia were already assured of a win after leading 4-0 in the tie and Justin could have thrown in the towel after losing a close second game.
But the youngster, who dropped to No. 232 in the latest rankings after going through a tough time over the past year due to injuries, is not the type to wilt in the face of adversity.
Displaying nerves of steel in what was his biggest tournament in his career so far, the tenacious Justin dug deep to grab the win.
Debutants are rarely selected to play in crucial ties and he did not want to let the opportunity to prove himself go to waste.
It was also sweet revenge for Justin after losing to Yin Chak in their only encounter so far in the Vietnam International Challenge last year.
“This is my first match in the Thomas Cup and I did feel some pressure but I was also excited,” said Justin.
“I did not expect to be selected for the match but I prepared myself well.
“I wanted to win too badly and this cost me in the second game.
“In the third game, I just kept focusing on each point and I’m happy to win,” added Justin.
Justin will have steeper hurdles ahead of him but it is a promising start for him and the team.
