The eleventh edition of the championship lived up to its top billing with more than 600 player participations
PONTIAN (8 JANUARY 2023): The 2023 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 DBC Sport Arena in Pontian here today.
It was a massive success for the organizer’s – Johor Badminton Association (JBA), who provided the opportunity for these young talents to strut their stuff during the four-day tournament, which drew more than 600 participants.
As expected, the main draw on the final day saw top seeded shuttler Ariffin Nazri claiming bragging rights as the best in the state after edging Wee Yee Tern 21-19,21-17 in the men’s Under-21 singles final.
It was a thrilling and exhausting opening set for the energetic shuttlers as Ariffin was stretched to the limit before overcoming Wee Yee Tern 21-19 in the first set. The ever calm Ariffin went on to emerge triumphant and broke his opponent’s spirits in the second set by staging a stunning 21-17 victory to clinch his long awaited title.
A delighted Ashraf commended his opponent for putting up a superb fight till the end. “It was not an easy task reaching the final. I would like to congratulate Wee Yee Tern for making it this far. It was a tough game, and I am proud to share this moment with my Johor state teammate”, said Ashraf.
He added “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Johor BA for organising this tournament as it gives players like me an opportunity to play against the top shuttlers in the state”.
Upon sustaining her prestigious U-16 girls singles title by defeating Lai Eyun 21-7,21-10 in the early morning match, Dania Sofea was once again in action as she teamed up with Lai Eyun and defeated Koh Yi Rou-Yap Yi Ning 21-9,21-10 to clinch their maiden U-16 girls doubles title.
Meanwhile, the most awaited U-21 men’s doubles final witnessed Ariffin Nazri- Ashraf Daniel battling against Wee Yee Hern-Wee Yee Tern in a fiery clash of the siblings. The intense final match was favourable to the dynamic duo pair Ariffin Nazri- Ashraf Daniel as they easily swept their opponents 21-15,21-19.
The 2023 Johor Close Championship comprises five categories, Under-21, Under-16, Under-14, Under-12 and Under-10.
