On the way up: Justin Hoh beat Ryomo Muramoto of Japan 21-16, 21-18 in the Saipan International Challenge final.
PETALING JAYA: Men’s singles shuttler Justin Hoh continued his encouraging form after returning from injury by capturing the Saipan International Challenge title.
A week after finishing runner-up in the Northern Marianas Open, Justin turned on the style by beating Japan’s Ryomo Muramoto 21-16, 21-18 in the final in Saipan yesterday.
It was the talented 20-year-old’s second title of the year after winning the Slovenian Open International Series in May.
The latest victory was especially meaningful for Justin, who had an injury-plagued year before returning to competitions in March.
“I’m happy that I could win today (yesterday) after losing in the final last week,” said Justin.
“I’m taking it step by step after my comeback from injury and slowly making my way up the rankings again.
Justin was down with Achilles tendon rupture last year and picked up another foot injury, and just when all seemed good, he suffered a knee injury early this year.
“I won’t say that I’m at my best yet physically.
“I’m probably still at about 70 or 80 per cent and I will keep trying my best in every tournament.”
Justin dropped to as low as No. 233 in the rankings when he made his return from injury but has now moved up to No. 92.
The youngster also made it into the quarter-finals of the World Tour Super 100 Taiwan Masters last month.
Justin is expected to climb up the ranks again after his title win.
Next, he will compete in the China Masters from Aug 6-11.
FINAL RESULTS
Men’s singles: Justin Hoh (Mas) bt Ryomo Muramoto (Jpn) 21-16, 21-18.
Men’s doubles: Tokumi Nomura-Yuichi Shimogami (Jpn) bt Tori Aizawa-Daisuke Sona (Jpn) 21-19, 23-21.
Women’s singles: Riko Gunji (Jpn) bt Asuka Takahashi (Jpn) 21-14, 14-21, 21-16.
Women’s doubles: Kokona Ishikawa-Mio Konegawa (Jpn) bt Kim Hye-jeong-Kim Yu-jung (Kor) 21-19, 11-21, 21-18.
Mixed doubles: Hiroki Nishi-Akari Sato (Jpn) bt Yuichi Shimogami-Sayaka Hobara (Jpn) 21-11, 21-10.
