SHUTTLER Justin Hoh is certainly buzzing after taking firm control of the boys' singles Group A at the National Junior Ranking Challenge.
It is quite a turnaround for the 16-year-old who didn't get off to a good start when he lost his opening match against Chua Kim Sheng at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) on Monday.
Since then the KL lad has picked up his game and gone from strength to strength in racking up six straight wins.
Yesterday, Justin, ranked 10th in the junior world rankings, started brightly when he downed the older Ong Ken Yon 21-13, 21-19.
He came through another tough challenge in the evening session by beating Ong Zhen Yi 21-19, 21-18.
This gave Justin six points with a 6-1 record and he is almost certain to finish in the top three with just two more matches to play in the group.
"I was a bit sad when I lost my first game but I went back and thought hard about my game," said Justin.
"I also discussed with my coaches on how to improve and I had a good rest to take my mind off the games that I've already played.
"I think I became more patient and stable in making my shots and I'm definitely excited to finish in the top three.
"I certainly relish the opportunity to take on the seniors and I definitely need to train harder for the playoff stages."
Only the top three players get to face the seniors in the playoff stages and the chase is on for second and third spot.
Top seed Jacky Kok Jing Hong currently occupies second spot with a similar 6-1 record after whipping Anson Cheng 21-4, 21-4 and Chia Jeng Hon 21-13, 21-16 in yesterday's matches.
The third spot is occupied by 18-year-old Ken Yon although fourth place Ong Zhen Yi (4th), Chia Jeng Hon (5th) and Chua Kim Sheng (6th) are all in with a shout as well.
Meanwhile the Purple League has put a stop to its entire calendar for the year due to the current Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).
"The latest wave of Covid-19 has forced us to relook the upcoming events and after discussions with BAM, we are advised to postpone to a later date," said Purple League chief executing officer Ho Khek Mong.
The Purple League Junior had gotten underway from Oct 3 in Port Dickson and was supposed to continue with Ipoh, Puchong and Muar in the remaining rounds before the grand final in Putrajaya on Nov 22.