JUSTIN Hoh may be the youngest shuttler in the mix, but it has not stopped him from making heads turn at the National Youth Ranking Challenge at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara.
Yesterday, the 16-year-old leapfrogged his more illustrious opponents to top the boys' singles standings after recording a convincing 22-20, 21-10 win over Ong Ken Yon.
It was the Kuala Lumpur-born's third win in four matches with the only defeat coming against Jacky Kok on Thursday.
"It feels good to win today. However, I am trying not to get stressed out ahead of my final game tomorrow (against Ter Chun Long)," said Justin yesterday.
"Even though I'm the youngest player in the boys' singles group, I want to prove to the coaches who have given me the confidence to do well."
In second spot is Wyman Goh, who dropped a rung despite beating Chun Long 21-18, 21-14.
The 19-year-old is tied on points with Justin but has an inferior game and point difference in comparison.
Ken Yon is third, followed by Shun Yang, Chun Long and Jacky.
Meanwhile, national back-up shuttler Eoon Qi Xuan won the girls' singles category.
The 20-year-old was a class above as she thumped K. Letshanaa 21-10, 21-18 for a perfect 3-0 record.
"The more important factor here is that I have won all of my matches this week," said Qi Xuan.
"I showed that I was in control of my mental approach, and I was not too hasty for the points.
"But in terms of going up against the senior players, I think I am still quite far off as there are areas in which I still need to improve."
Youngster Myisha Khairul finished her week strongly by beating Tan Zhing Yi 21-14, 21-10 to finish third in the group.