Darrshan wants more after 30-year gold drought ends

A 30-year-old Malaysia Games (Sukma) gold medal drought has come to an end for Federal Territories, with their victory in the tennis mixed team final. But it’s not enough for Darrshan Suresh Kumar. He wants more.

After the team final, which ended late on Monday, the promising 17-year-old as returned to court early in the morning yesterday to play his last-16 match against S. Amarr Shan of Selangor, which he won 6-0, 6-1.

Darrshan then crushed Negri Sembilan’s Wan Mohd Izzat Afiq 6-0, 6-0 to check into the semi-finals of the singles event.

Darrshan is assured of a medal now but he believes he has a better shot at winning the boy’s doubles gold with partner Leroy Yong, the son of former national shuttler Yong Hock Kin.

“Mitsuki Leong is the favourite to defend his Sukma boy’s singles title but I feel we have a good chance in the doubles.

“We will take each round as it comes. I am confident and hopeful we can continue with the momentum after the team event ended well,” said the Ampang-born Darrshan, who comes from a family of active tennis players.

In the mixed team final, FT downed Perak 3-2 for their first Sukma tennis gold medal in 30 years.

Darrshan defeated Azfar Haruya Amir Syahrul 6-1, 6-0 but Perak hit back immediately through girls’ singles player Shihomi Leong, who beat Lynn Lim 6-0, 6-0.

FT restored the advantage as Leroy partnered with Nicholas Kong to chalk a 6-3, 6-2 win over Daniel Leong Prickett-Mohd Farreez Isqandar in boy’s doubles.

Aqil Adibi Rahiman-Nao Ziyi Phang then delivered the winning point for FT with a 6-1, 6-4 triumph over Mohd Adam Aqil Anuar-Hana Mohd Sahi in mixed doubles.

Perak girls’ doubles pair of Catherine Eva Liew-Hannah Yip then downed Athilla Miasara Azizul Azhar 4-6, 6-2 (retired) for a more respectable outcome.

“I have been told that we haven’t won a medal in almost 30 years, so I am proud to win today,” said Darrshan.

“It was a team effort. Everything we do, the preparation, and the team spirit we fight together.”

RESULTS

Mixed team

Final: FT bt Perak 3-2.

Playoff for bronze: Selangor bt Sarawak 4-1.