Good start: Shuttler Lim Ming Hong posing with his trophy after winning in France.
PETALING JAYA: Shuttler Lim Ming Hong delivered a proud moment for Malaysia after capturing the men’s singles title at the Future Series Nouvelle-Aquitaine in France on Sunday (July 6).
The professional shuttler was made to work hard for the victory, needing 65 minutes to overcome Taiwan’s Huang Yu 22-20, 10-21, 21-16 in a gruelling final.
It was the first title for the Ampang Jaya Badminton Club player.
The win came as a timely boost for Ming Hong, who was left disappointed after falling short in the Italian Open final in Bolzano last week, where he was beaten by Denmark’s Ditlev Holm.
Ming Hong also came close to bagging a second title in France in the mixed doubles with Stella Pan but the pair were denied by the Dutch combination of Andy Buijk and Meerte Loos, losing 21-17, 19-21, 18-21 in a closely contested 46-minute duel.
Coach Ho Khek Mong was beaming with pride.
"Last year, Ming Hong suffered a very bad leg injury which almost ended his career. I'm proud that he didn’t give up," said Khek Mong.
"He has come through ups and downs. Hopefully, we can guide him to perform at a higher stage, which is the Super 300 and 500 level soon."
