PETALING JAYA: It was double joy for national doubles shuttler Yap Roy King after he smashed into two finals in the National Championships.
Roy King combined with Wan Arif Wan Junaidi in the men’s doubles to edge past fellow Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) pair Choong Hon Jian-Wong Vin Sean 21-11, 18-21, 21-18 in a pulsating last-four match at Stadium Juara in Bukit Kiara yesterday.
Then, in the mixed doubles, Roy King and Valeree Siow defeated independent pair Wong Tien Ci-Lim Chiew Sien 21-13, 21-15.
Roy King, who is known for his versatility in playing two events, was pleased to reach two finals.
The 22-year-old had only formed a partnership with Arif in February but has already shown plenty of promise.
The pair had captured their first title together at the Nantes International Challenge last month and reached No. 85 in the latest world rankings.
Roy King also reached his first semi-finals this year with Valeree in Nantes and moved up three rungs from No. 64 to No. 61 in the rankings.
The 22-year-old, though, is keeping his feet on the ground and wants to fully focus on both his finals today.
In the men’s doubles, Roy King and Arif will face independent pair Low Hang Yee-Ng Eng Cheong for the title.
Hang Yee-Eng Cheong came from behind to overcome BAM’s Chia Weijie-Hang Yee 16-21, 21-13, 21-18.
In the mixed doubles final, Roy King-Valeree will take on BAM teammates Choong Hon Jian-Go Pei Kee, who beat another BAM pair Loo Bing Kun-Cheng Su Yin 21-18, 21-11.
“I’m happy to reach two finals,” said Roy King.
“It was a tough match for me and Arif against Hon Jian-Vin Sean.
“They just combined for this tournament and Arif and I took some time to get used to their playing style.
“I’m expecting two difficult matches tomorrow (today) too and I will give everything to win both.”
RESULTS
(BAM players unless stated)
Semi-finals
Men’s singles: Shaqeem Eiman Shahyar bt Chua Kim Sheng 21-14, 22-20; Leong Jun Hao bt Lim Chi Wing (Kul) 21-15, 21-17.
Men’s doubles: Low Hang Yee-Ng Eng Cheong (Sel-Pen) bt Chia Weijie-Liew Xun 16-21, 21-13, 21-18; Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi bt Choong Hon Jian-Wong Vin Sean 21-11, 18-21, 21-18.
Women’s singles: K. Letshanaa bt Siti Nurshuhaini Azman 9-21, 21-10, 21-15; Wong Ling Ching bt Lim Shin (Joh) 21-13, 21-18.
Women’s doubles: Cheng Su Hui-Vanessa Ng bt Ho Lo Ee-Amanda Yap (Sel-Kul) 21-16, 22-20; Vivian Hoo-Lim Chiew Sien (Kul-Joh) bt Go Pei Kee-Low Yeen Yuan 21-14, 19-21, 21-16.
Mixed doubles: Yap Roy King-Valeree Siow bt Wong Tien Chi-Lim Chiew Sien (Joh) 21-13, 21-15; Choong Hon Jian-Go Pei Kee bt Loo Bing Kun-Cheng Su Yin 21-18, 21-11.
