KUALA LUMPUR – Mixed-doubles pair Haikal Nazri-Chan Wen Tse hope to be the first to deliver a gold medal in badminton for Kelantan since former national player Roslin Hashim in 1996 after they progressed to the final of the 20th Malaysian Games (Sukma) today.
Haikal-Wen Tse beat Melaka’s Tan Kok Xian-Yap Ling 21-17, 21-15 as the match lasted 26 minutes.
Speaking to the press, Haikal said he was surprised to make it to the final, citing that this is the first time he was partnering Wen Tse.
“We only started playing on Tuesday when the event began. We did not train together because Wen Tse was busy with her World Junior Championships selection.
“Communication with our coach was the key factor to our gameplay. I controlled the backcourt, while Wen Tse had the frontcourt,” said Haikal, who is also a national player.
Haikal added that the semifinal victory gave them the confidence to aim for a gold medal, as it has been nearly three decades since they had one.
The last time Kelantan saw badminton gold in Sukma was when former world number one Roslin Hashim clinched it during the 1996 edition in Pahang.
At the same time, debutant Wen Tse said she had learned a lot from Haikal over the week and was guided by him throughout the matches.
“As a senior player, Haikal assisted me a lot. He helped me to keep calm and focus on my game,” she said.
Haikal-Wen Tse will meet Tee Wai Kun-Toh Ee Wei from Melaka at the final tomorrow.
The top seed pair defeated Owen Ting-Wong Ling Ching of Sarawak 21-13, 21-7 in 21 minutes.
Meanwhile, in the women’s doubles final, Cheng Su Hui-Su Yin of Kedah will face Melaka’s Toh Ee Wei-Yap Ling after defeating siblings R. Kasturi-Vinosha from Selangor 21-16, 21-17.
The men’s doubles final will see Johor’s Lwi Sheng Hao-Yap Roy King clash with Tan Kok Xian-Tee Kai Wun of Melaka. – The Vibes, September 23, 2022
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