PUTRAJAYA: Women’s doubles pair Low Zi Yu and Nuraina Maisarah Hatta saw their hopes of becoming the youngest champions dashed after falling to second seeds Lee Xin Jie and Low Yeen Yuan in the National Championships final on Sunday (Dec 7).
Zi Yu, 15, and Aina, 16, lost 21-17, 18-21, 12-21 to Xin Jie and Yeen Yuan at the Badminton Hall of the Presint 11 Neighbourhood Complex in Putrajaya. The defeat also spoiled Aina’s plan to claim the title as a birthday present, as she celebrated her birthday on Saturday (Dec 6).
"Towards the end of the second set, we were a bit rushed trying to finish the match quickly, and that led to many unforced errors,” said Zi Yu.
"Still, we are grateful for this result and our careers are still long ahead of us. We gave our all for this tournament," added Aina.
Earlier in the mixed doubles, Wee Yee Tern and Clarissa San battled past Tan Zhi Yang and Nicole Tan in a thrilling contest, winning 24-22, 19-21, 21-17.
Shaneesa Shahidi lived up to expectations to clinch the women’s singles title after defeating Teoh Sue Mei 21-15, 15-21, 21-12.
In the men’s singles, professional shuttler Ong Zhen Yi overcame Hooi Shao Herng 21-14, 21-16 to emerge champion.
Low Hang Yee and Ng Eng Cheong redeemed themselves after losing in the 2023 final, beating Nur Aidil Adha and Helmie Zulhaidee Zulman 24-22, 21-17 to claim the men’s doubles crown.
