The top seeds in the Boys’ and Girls’ Under-16 singles cleared their first hurdle with ease on the first day of the 100PLUS National Junior Circuit Grand Prix Finals at the Negri Sembilan Chinese Recreation Club in Seremban on Wednesday.

Last year’s singles and doubles Under-14 champion Muhammad Fazriq Mohamad Razif was the star attraction. The 15-year-old Fazriq, who has moved up to the Under-16 category this year, was crowned champion in the World Badminton Under-15 Shonai Invitational in Kuruoka, Yamagata in Japan on Sunday.

The son of former national ace, Olympian and Thomas Cupper Datuk Razif Sidek, shrugged off his jet-lag to defeat Chun Zhen Thai of Perak 24-22, 21-11 in 36 minutes after a tough first game. However, the talented eased into the second round once he found the rhythm.

The national junior will face A. Thaanesh Devar of Melaka for a place in the quarter-finals. Thaanesh staged a remarkable comeback from a game down to beat Ting Wen Xuan of Kuala Lumpur 14-21, 21-17, 21-16.

“I found the going tough in the first game as I was tired. Once I found my footing it was smooth going me in the second game,” said Fazriq.

Kelantan’s hope Goo Vie Keat, who is seeded 5/8, also advanced with a 21-19, 21-13 win over Johor’s Liew Xun and will face Selangor’s Haris Sufian Rushdan won 17-21, 21-13, 21-9 against Dylan Ooi Ding Sheng (BAM/Pen).

Another of Selangor hope Chua Kim Sheng battled for an hour to book his place in the second round with a 21-18, 15-21, 21-17 win over Chia Jeng Hon (BAM/Pah). He next plays Johor’s Arfin Nazri Zakaria who slogged to a 17-21, 21-12, 21-12 victory of Kuala Lumpur’s Bryan Chang Kahi Yang.

In the Girls’ Under-16 top seed Tan Zhing Yi (BAM)/Pen) got off her campaign to a flying start with a 21-19, 21-16 win over Johor’s Lim Shin in only 28 minutes. Her second-round opponent is Chew Jia Hui of Perak who downed Penang’s Gan Wan Yan 16-21, 21-7, 21-18.

Title contender K. Letshaana of Selangor (3/4) was in a fiery mood with a whirlwind 21-7, 21-17 win over Tai Jo Yi (BAM/KL) to keep her challenge. She next faces Kuala Lumpur’s Goo Xin Yi who ousted Johor’s Ler Yee Huey 21-18, 21-8 in a quick 18 minutes.

Lee Xin Jie, who also competed in the Shonai Invitational meet was too strong for Kashley Kho Tze Yin of Sarawak in her 21-19, 21-9 win.

Meanwhile, in the Boys’ Under-14 singles top seed kept his top billing alive when he smashed to a 21-12, 21-11 win over Penang’s Chew Zu Yuet in 23 minutes. Other first round winners in this category were Muhd Arif Jun Ket (Sabah), Azuan Amirul Imran (Johor) and Faiq Haziq Masawi (BAM/Sgr).

100PLUS is also the title sponsor for the 100PLUS National Junior Inter-State Circuit which will be held November this year.

100PLUS, the nation’s No.1 isotonic beverage, is the Official Beverage sponsor for all BAM events and activities including the Malaysian Open and the Malaysian Masters. Datuk Wira Lee Chong Wei and Jin Wei are currently 100PLUS Brand Ambassadors.

100PLUS will be the ideal drink for the young players competing in the junior circuit. Consuming the non-carbonated beverage will help the players achieve peak performances during events.

 

100PLUS ACTIVE builds on the brand’s sports heritage and functional credentials to target sporty, fitness-seeking consumers looking for a no-fizz thirst-quencher that can rehydrate, replenish, and re-energise them during and after their fitness regimen.

 

100PLUS, a Silver Sponsor for Kuala Lumpur 2017 SEA Games and Para Games, is synonymous with supporting sports in the country. Apart from BAM, 100PLUS also supports the Football Association of Malaysia. 100PLUS is also the Official Isotonic beverage for the Malaysian Football League.

 

100PLUS is committed to youth development programmes and currently supports Liga KPM (under MSSM). 100PLUS is the recommended drink of the National Sports Council.

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