Selangor Hui Qi Hin and Yong Yi Lee won gold medal table tenis mix double. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
SELANGOR’S mixed doubles pair Lee Yong Yi-Hun Hui Qi were driven by frustration and a burning desire for revenge.
And they did not just seek it – they claimed it in spectacular fashion, claiming the mixed doubles title at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) yesterday.
Yong Yi-Hui Qi emerged as the newly-crowned champions after narrowly edging out a 9-11, 11-6, 11-9, 7-11, 11-9 victory over Tan Yi Heng-Lim Jing Shuen of Federal Territories (FT) in a nail-biting final at the SJK Chung Hua No. 3 in Kuching.
For the Selangor duo, this victory was more than just a title.
This victory was particularly sweet for the Selangor duo, whose team had narrowly lost 2-3 to FT in the semi-finals of the mixed team event on Wednesday.
That defeat fuelled their desire to reclaim what they had just lost, which they achieved in the most satisfying way.
With every point they won, their cheers grew louder and their screams became more intense, reflecting their intense hunger for victory.
“We lost to them yesterday (on Wednesday), so being able to defeat them feels like everything that was lost has been regained,” said the 18-year-old Hui Qi.
“I am very happy that we could contribute one gold medal for the state.”
The gold medal carries a significant meaning for both Yong Yi and Hui Qi.
For Yong Yi, it represents the proof that he hasn’t lost his competitive edge, even after stepping away from the national team earlier this year.
“Having retired from the national team earlier this year, winning this gold medal means a lot to me,” said the 19-year-old.
“It has been 11 years since table tennis last featured in Sukma, so we were determined to win gold.
“This title is especially meaningful because every other team had already secured medals, except for us.
“It is a good start, and I hope the rest of the team can perform well in the upcoming doubles and singles events.”
As for Hui Qi, she is keeping her fingers crossed that this achievement will encourage the next Sukma host, Selangor to continue featuring table tennis in the event line-up.
She is also motivated to perform better in the girls’ singles event tomorrow.
“With Selangor hosting the next Sukma, it is important that we deliver good results now to ensure table tennis remains part of the event,” said Hui Qi.
“This gold medal is a huge motivation for me, especially after my disappointing performance in the team event where I struggled to find my rhythm. This win feels like a fresh start, giving me the boost I need for the singles event.”
