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, Johor.
Johor Badminton Association (JBA), the organiser said the championship was a massive success as they provided the opportunity for these young talents during the four-day tournament, which drew more than 300 participants.
Ashraf Daniel claimed bragging rights as the greatest in the state after defeating his brother Ariffin Nazri in the men’s Under-21 singles final on the final day.
The siblings had a wonderful and strenuous first set. Ashraf was pushed to his limit before coming back to win 29-27. Ariffin, on the other hand, mounted a spectacular comeback in the second set, upsetting Ashraf 21-19. In the rubber match, Ashraf triumphed and defeated his brother 21-18, breaking his brother’s morale.
A delighted Ashraf commanded his younger brother to put 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 will 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 for 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 four categories, Under-21, Under-16, Under-14 and Under-12.
