PETALING JAYA: Just five years into badminton journey, Ellis Ngi Cai Lin of Johor continues to make fine progress.
The 15-year-old Cai Lin defeated Ummi Athirah Mohd Khairul Anuar 15-9, 15-11 to qualify for the Lee Chong Wei Cup Grand Finals in the girl's Under-15 category at Stadium Juara, Bukit Kiara on Sunday (Aug 30).
Cai Lin has taken a considerably quicker route up the junior ranks.
Ellis only started badminton at 10 after following her elder brother to the courts but, within three years, had earned a place at Bukit Jalil Sports School.
She has since enjoyed a strong Junior Elite Tour campaign this year by winning two Under-16 singles titles and one Under-16 doubles crown.
Despite those results, Ellis remains refreshingly modest about her standing.
"There are still many players stronger than me. I don’t think I’m the best and I still need to work much harder,” said Ellis, who trains under Yap Rui Chen.
Her ambitions are nevertheless clear.
"My first dream is to represent Malaysia. After that, I want to win an international title," she said.
"Right now, the World Junior Championships is the tournament I most want to play. We go step by step,” she said.
