KUALA LUMPUR: The recently concluded Malaysian Open saw lightning-fast smashes, electrifying rallies, and nail-biting moments, but there was a group of unsung heroes on the sidelines – the line judges who went unnoticed.
These individuals, however, played a crucial role in ensuring the matches were played fairly and the game’s integrity was upheld.
And for Edeline Lo, getting the chance to be a line judge at her very first Super 1000 tournament was not just a wish come true, but a responsibility that came with precision, concentration, and a deep understanding of the sport.
‘’I felt lucky to be selected and represented Sabah at the Malaysian Open. It was my first time being a line judge for an international tournament,’’ said the 27-year-old, who had been officiating badminton matches since her secondary school days.
The role of a line judge is to indicate whether a shuttle has landed ‘’in’’ or ‘’out’’ and has to make quick calls.
Edeline is one of two state umpires selected by the Sabah Badminton Association to become part of the workforce at the Axiata Arena’s sidelines.
‘’We had to undergo several theory and practical tests before we received our certificate to become a state umpire.
‘’The governing body will evaluate us based on our calls and how we perform during a match, then we will begin officiating for state level tournaments,’’ said Edeline.
Throughout the six-day tournament, Edeline said she judged on average six matches a day in the early rounds, a tough challenge requiring absolute focus and being on her toes, ready for anything.
Once a match started, she would be in the heat of the battle between players gunning for silverware amidst rapid shuttle exchanges and some shots smashed to the ground with speeds exceeding 300 km/h.
Edeline said the challenge was to maintain concentration, and ensuring the calls were accurate and fair to all players.
‘’Sometimes when I make a call and the player chooses to challenge it, my heart will start racing just like the sound effect they play in the arena, but I’m usually confident with my call,” she said.
‘’If my call was an error, it’s important to quickly move on from it and be dialled into the match right away, there is no room to let your mind wander.
‘’But you do feel the pressure especially when it comes down to crucial points, as the fate of the game sits in all the line judges’ hands.”
Beyond the technical responsibility, Edeline is also grateful for the chance to embrace the electrifying atmosphere at the Axiata Arena.
‘’Getting to officiate matches with some of the best badminton players from across the world is truly something special, especially with the fans all cheering the players, you can feel the energy.
‘’The most memorable match that I judged was the men’s singles match between Viktor Axelsen and Lee Cheuk Yiu, it was a three-game battle, and the match was intense,’’ she added.
Edeline hopes her knowledge of the game and judging skills will take her further, with one day getting the opportunity to officiate matches in the SEA Games, Asian Games, and beyond.
