GOH Soon Huat emerged champion in the Sabah Open yesterday after defeating his teammate and closest rival Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin in the men’s singles final.
Soon Huat, who is national No 4, lived up to his billing after wrapping up the match 21-16, 21-15 in just 41 minutes.
“It feels really good to win, but I must admit that it is not really a big thing, we play each other in training all the time.
“My main focus is the Malaysian Masters GP Gold in January because higher ranked players will be competing and that is where I can gauge myself,” said Soon Huat, who did not have a good season this year.
Soon Huat will also feature in the National Circuit Grand Prix Finals in Terengganu from Dec 27-30.
In the women’s singles, former BA of Malaysia (BAM) shuttler Lydia Cheah Li Ya proved that experience can still go a long way after defeating national No 2 Yang Li Lian 11-21, 21-18, 23-21.
Professional pair Mak Hee Chun-Tan Bin Shen also came out tops in the men’s double after upsetting top seeds Lim Khim Wah-Ow Yao Han 16-21, 21-19, 21-15.
Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yean claimed the women’s doubles crown following their 21-19, 21-17 win over Amelia Alicia Anscelly-Soong Fie Cho, while national No 2 Tan Aik Quan-Lai Pei Jing won the mixed doubles after defeating Tan Chee Tean-Shevon Lai Jemie 27-25, 21-16. By Fabian Peter