Ahmad-Zi Yu Clinch Asian Junior Badminton Title in Japan

Malaysian mixed doubles pair Ahmad Redzuan Zulwaqqarizal and Low Zi Yu have ended a 19-year drought for Malaysia by clinching the Asian Junior Badminton Championships title in Yatsushiro, Japan. The second seeds defeated China's Zheng Wei Gang and Li Meng Han with a score of 21-15, 22-20 in a 42-minute final match.

This triumph marks Malaysia's return to the top of the junior Asian circuit after a long hiatus. The last time Malaysia secured this title was in 2007, with the pair Tan Wee Kiong and Woon Khe Wei. The victory is particularly significant for Ahmad, as it represents his final appearance in a junior championship before turning 18.

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This year is my last year competing in junior championships because I will reach 18 years old, alhamdulillah I have achieved what I wanted, which is to win the gold medal.

"This year is my last year competing in junior championships because I will reach 18 years old. Alhamdulillah, I have achieved what I wanted, which is to win the gold medal," Ahmad told Utusan Malaysia after the match. He expressed his joy, noting that his previous best achievement was a silver medal, and he had not expected to win gold.

Ahmad reflected on the crucial moments of the final, identifying the second set as a turning point. "When we were leading 16-13, we were too eager to win, and a bit nervous, so we played in a rush. After that, I discussed with Zi Yu that we needed to be a little more patient and not rush, and finally, we succeeded," he explained. The pair's next focus will be the World Junior Championships scheduled for October in Cairo, Egypt.

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When we were leading 16-13, we were too eager to win, and a bit nervous, so we played in a rush. After that, I discussed with Zi Yu that we needed to be a little more patient and not rush, and finally, we succeeded.