SINGLES shuttler Justin Hoh stayed cool under pressure in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) to capture the boys’ gold.
The 20-year-old was the top seed and favourite to win the gold and did not disappoint as he defeated second seed Ong Zhen Yi 21-16, 21-15 in the final in Sibu yesterday.
It was Justin’s first gold in what will be his last appearance in the Sukma.
The 20-year-old, who was feeling the pressure as the top seed especially as he was facing all his teammates knew him well, was relieved to handle the expectations well.
“I felt pressured as my teammates train with me every day and know my strengths and weaknesses well,” said Justin, who captured the Slovenian Open and Saipan International titles this year.
“It was a bit difficult playing against them. So, I’m happy I managed to win,”
Justin is keen to maintain his form since returning to competitions in March after a series of injuries.
He reached a career-high No. 54 in the world last year but suffered an Achilles tendon rupture last April, followed by another foot injury and a knee issue earlier this year.
Justin, who will compete in the Taiwan Open from Sept 3-8, has worked his way up to world No. 68 in the world from 233and wants to keep moving up the ranks.
Meanwhile, there was joy for the home fans after Sarawak’s 21-year-old Wong Ling Ching clinched the girl’s singles gold with a commanding 21-12, 21-15 win over national teammate Oo Shan Zi from Penang.
Final
Boys’ singles: Justin Hoh (FT) bt Ong Zhen Yi (Pen) 21-16, 21-15.
Boys’ doubles: Mohd Faiq Masawi-Lok Hong Quan (Sel) bt Beh Chun Meng-Goh Boon Zhe (Pen) 19-21, 21-19, 21-15.
Girls’ singles: Wong Ling Ching (Swk) bt Oo Shan Zi (Pen) 21-12, 21-15.
Girls’ doubles: Dania Sofea Zaidi-Low Zi Yu (Joh) bt Chong Jie Yu-Vannee Gobi (Per) 19-21, 21-19, 21-12.
Mixed doubles: Aaron Tai-Nuraqilah Maisarah Ramdan (Mel) bt Tan Wei Liang-Khor Jing Wen (Pen) 21-17, 21-16.
