PETALING JAYA: National junior Jared Foo Dun Liang hopes the Lee Chong Wei Cup will end his nine-month wait for a podium finish.
The 17-year-old Sarawakian made a winning start in the boys' under-17 event after overcoming Chew Li Chen 17-15, 15-7 at Juara Stadium, Bukit Kiara, on Wednesday (Sept 2).
Jared was made to work in the opening game against Li Chen, who had already gained a feel for the courts during qualifying, before settling down and taking control in the second.
“The first game was quite tough because I didn’t warm up properly and my opponent played well,” said Jared.
“His shots made me uncomfortable, but towards the end of the second game I felt I was playing more to my standard.”
Jared, who earned a place in the national junior set-up following selection trials late last year, last stood on the podium when he won the boys' U16 singles title at the first leg of the Junior Elite Tour last year.
“My target here is just to get a medal because it has been about nine months since I last won one,” he said.
Wednesday’s programme featured 114 matches across 11 events, covering the boys' and girls' singles under-13, under-15 and under-17 categories, boys' and girls' doubles under-13 and under-15, as well as boys' doubles under-17.
Meanwhile, Cheah Yu Xuan survived a tense battle against close friend Kiera Wong Yin Xuen in the girls' U17 event, winning 15-6, 12-15, 16-14.
The two know each other well, having represented Selangor together in school competitions and travelled to tournaments together.
“We know each other very well, so all we could do was try our best and enjoy the game,” said Yu Xuan.
“We’re very good friends, but we cannot control the draw or the result. Someone has to win, so we just give our best on court.”
Yu Xuan, who now trains at Shuttler Flash Badminton Academy, was invited to attend the national talent identification programme late last year but turned it down as she felt she was not ready.
“I felt there were still things I needed to improve. If I get another opportunity in the future, I think I will go,” she added.
