ISKANDAR PUTERI (13 FEBRUARY 2022): The 2022 Johor Close Badminton Championship once again lived up to its top billing with aspiring shuttlers producing scintillating performances on the final day of the competition at the NS Sport Hall in Gelang Patah here today.
It was a massive success of the organiser’s – Johor Badminton Association (JBA), who provided the opportunity for these young talents to strut their stuff during the four-day tournament, which dew more than 300 participants.
As expected the main draw on the final day saw Ashraf Daniel claiming bragging rights as the best in the state after edging his brother Ariffin Nazri in the men’s Under-21 singles final.
It was a thrilling and exhausting opening set for the siblings. Ashraf was stretched to the limit before overcoming 29-27. However, Ariffin staged a dramatic comeback, defeating Ashraf 21-19 in the second set. In the rubber set, Ashraf emerged triumphant and broke his brother’s spirits, defeating him 21-18.
A delighted Ashraf commended his younger brother for putting up a superb fight till the end. “It was not an easy task reaching the final. I would like to congratulate Ariffin for making it this far. It was a tough game and I am proud to share this moment with my brother”, said Ashraf.
He added “Ariffin has helped me to develop my game and we hope that we would get the opportunity to represent Johor one day”.
In the afternoon fixtures, Lee Yi Bo – Sim Wee Sheng made short work of Kick Weishen – Ong Jia En to clinch the Under-21 men’s doubles title.
In the opening set, Yi Bo – Wee Sheng suffered a surprise loss when they went down 18-21. But they picked up the pieces in the second set to win 21-12. There was no stopping Yi Bo – Wee Sheng in the rubber set when they easily swept their opponents 21-6.
The 10th edition of the 2022 Johor Close Badminton Championship comprised of four categories, Under-21 , Under-16, Under-14 and Under-12.
