Malaysia stormed into the final of the mixed team competition for the second consecutive year in the Rakan Sukan Yonex Sunrise Asian Junior Championships at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara yesterday.

But there was little joy for the top girls’ singles shuttler, Lydia Cheah.

The 18-year-old Lydia, who was the individual championships runner-up last year, failed to contribute a point in Malaysia’s 3-1 win over Japan.

In the final today, Malaysia will take on China, who beat Indonesia 3-0 in the other semi-final.

The girls’ doubles pair of Ng Hui Lin-Goh Liu Ying, rated as the weakest link in the Malaysian team, chalked up the winning point – beating Miki Yuriko-Kakiiwa Reika 21-12, 21-14 in 25 minutes.

Earlier, the mixed doubles pair of Tan Wee Kiong-Woon Khe Wei and the country’s top boys’ singles shuttler Mohd Arif Abdul Latif won their matches.

Wee Kiong-Khe Wei recovered from a jittery start to score a 19-21, 21-11, 21-9 win over the partnership of Asian junior boys’ singles champion Tago Kenichi and Uchida.

The 18-year-old Arif staved off a late comeback from second ranked Japanese junior Takeshita Riichi for a 21-7, 21-19 win.

A disappointed Lydia said: “I could have won it for Malaysia but my attacking game was not impressive today. This is disappointing but I will not let it affect me. It is a new battle tomorrow and I will be ready.”



Ng Hui Lin (left) and Goh Liu Ying rejoice after sealing the tie for Malaysia in the Asian Junior Championships at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara. – AZHAR MAHFOF / The Star
Lydia is expected to play against Liu Jie, who battled for an hour yesterday for a 23-21, 20-22, 21-15 victory over a crafty Maria Febe.

“The odds are against me. I have never beaten Liu Jie but I hope to do it this time,” said Lydia.

Coach Sun Chenhua said that Malaysia stand a better chance in the doubles events against China.

“Our boys’ and girls’ singles lost to the Chinese players in Australia this year. It will be good if they can upset their opponents,” said the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) chief coach.

Arif does not have a good record against Chen Long, who is making his debut in the Asian junior meet. He was beaten by the top Chinese junior in the Olympic Youth Festival in Australia in January.

Last year, Malaysia were beaten by South Korea in the final. Malaysia last won the team title in 2001 in Taiwan but China did not send a team then.

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