PETALING JAYA: Despite retiring seven years ago, Datuk Lee Chong Wei’s influence on junior shuttlers remains significant.
The former world No. 1’s unwavering determination was instrumental for emerging talent, Mohd Noor Hanafi (pic), in securing the boys’ Under-15 title at the Kuala Lumpur Closed Championships at Stadium Titiwangsa yesterday.
The 15-year-old Mohd Noor defeated Chai Zheng Leong 15-11, 15-5 in the final.
His dominance was most evident in the second match, where he surged ahead 13-0 before winning.
“Lee Chong Wei is my idol. I strive to play like him on the court,” said the 15-year-old Mohd Noor.
“His never-say-die attitude was the push I needed to get the win.”
Mohd Noor had previously come close to success at the tournament, reaching the semi-finals in 2024 and losing in the final last year. Not to let his past determine the present, Mohd Noor was intent on enhancing his training leading up to the tournament.
“My objective was to win, and I made every effort to train with that goal in mind.”
This extra effort certainly bore fruit for Mohd Noor at the KL meet.
This title is further evidence of Mohd Noor’s potential as a promising junior talent, following his bronze in the boys’ singles Under-15 category at the 2025 Asian Junior Championships in China.
“The medal in China was great for my confidence as it showed that I am capable of achieving greater international success,” he said.
With winning momentum on his side, Mohd Noor aspires to follow in his idol’s footsteps and start representing Malaysia in more international tournaments.
“It is time to level up and compete at the international level, starting with representing Malaysia at the upcoming Asian Junior and World Junior Championships,” he added.
FINAL RESULTS
Singles
Boys
Under-9: Eng Sheldon bt Yong Hao Ze, 15-7, 15-13.
Under-11: Yee Jia Kang bt Liew You Yong, 15-5, 21-20.
Under-13: Beh Keat Tom bt Liu Yi Kang, 11-15, 17-15, 15-5.
Under-15: Mohd Noor Hanafi bt Chai Zheng Leong, 15-11, 15-5.
Under 17: Liew Tian Hao bt Zayden Lee, 15-12, 15-10.
Girls
Under-9: Safiya Nur Tasneem bt Anna Tan Khai Qi, 15-12, 15-11.
Under 11: Krysta Tang Jiayi bt Gai Ninn Jie, 15-11, 15-8.
Under-13: Liew Xin Yan bt Nur Eryna Izzati, 15-13, 15-9.
Under-15: Ng Yun Xi bt Law Kai Ling, 15-9, 19-17.
Under-17: Ong Xin Ru bt Morgan Ten Ai Meng, 15-5, 15-5.
