PETALING JAYA: The scoring system has been changed but defending champions China still proved superior to Malaysia in the World Junior Championships.
A year ago, Malaysia lost 0-3 to China to settle for bronze in the United States and this time, a new 11-point relay scoring system was introduced but the outcome was the same.
Despite an early scare when Ong Xin Yee (pic) narrowly beat Xu Wen Jing 11-10 in the first women’s singles match, China came out on top 110-76 in Nanchang yesterday to march into the final.
The defeat ended Malaysia’s hopes of winning the title but national junior head coach Jeffer Rosobin was still proud of his charges and believes they can do better in the individual event which starts on Monday.
“The team started strongly when Xin Yee won the first match but the players could not maintain their performance,” said Jeffer.
“But our players gave their all and I’m proud of them. I believe they have a strong chance to win more medals in the individual event.”
Last year, in the individual event, boys’ doubles pair Aaron Tai-Bryan Goonting and mixed doubles duo Low Han Chen-Chong Jie Yu won bronze medals.
This time, Aaron has formed a strong partnership with Kang Khai Xing since then and the pair are Malaysia’s best bet to win gold.
Meanwhile, China will take on Indonesia next for the title after the latter edged Japan 110-105.
