IPOH: Sitting for exams in between competing in a tournament can be stressful but shuttler Kong Wei Xiang is proving to be one cool customer.
Wei Xiang was crowned boys’ singles champion in the Under-18 National meet after coming out on top over teammate Louis Lee 12-15, 20-18, 15-9 in a thrilling final at the Academy Badminton Perak in Ipoh yesterday.
And the victory was even more impressive as the 16-year old is in the midst of his International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams.
“My IGCSE exams have started but there’s a break for a few weeks and will resume today,” said Wei Xiang.
“I’m not stressed though as I have been focusing on my preparations for the tournament first, then I will turn my attention to my exams. Winning the title is a great start for me this year. I hope to do well in my exams too after this.”
Wei Xiang, who is from Penang, was relieved after justifying his top seed status in the tournament.
It was no easy win though for the youngster after he was forced to dig deep in the final to stave off a spirited challenge from Louis, who only joined the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) three weeks before the Under-18 tourney.
Wei Xiang also believed that the new 15-point system implemented in the competition made it tricky for him.
The Badminton World Federation are considering replacing the existing 21-point scoring format with the new system and used the Under-18 meet as a test event.
“I think there are many upsets in this competition due to the 15-point system being used as even when you are leading by five points, there is no guarantee you will win,” said Wei Xiang.
“Opponents can close the gap quickly and put pressure on you. In the second game, I was very focused as I was confident that if I won, I will come out on top in the third as well.”
Meanwhile, there was also joy for Eng Ler Qi when she defeated BAM teammate Oo Shan Zi 15-8, 15-9 to claim the girls’ singles crown.
FINAL RESULTS
BAM unless stated
Boys’ singles: Kong Wei Xiang bt Louis Lee 12-15, 20-18, 15-9.
Boys’ doubles: Datu Anif Isaac-Damien Ling bt Heng Hi Zin-Ethan Joon (Neg-Put) 15-6, 15-12.
Girls’ singles: Eng Ler Qi bt Oo Shan Zi 15-8, 15-9.
Girls’ doubles: Dania Sofea Zaidi-Low Zi Yu bt Carine Tee-Lee Mun 15-6, 15-7.
Mixed doubles: Loh Ziheng-Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan bt Datu Anif Isaac-Dania Sofea Zaidi 14-16, 15-10, 16-14.
