Kota Kinabalu: M. Mukhriz Kalukalu and Muhammad Jazlie Ims Jenne captured the men’s closed doubles title in the Tanjung Batu Closed Badminton Championship held at the MKH Badminton Hall in Univilla, Tawau recently.
They defeated Faiz Syakirin-Rahmat Mohd Nor from Merotai BC in straight sets 21-16, 21-17 in the final to take home the RM1,000 winning prize while the losing finalists received RM500.
Earlier in the semi-finals, Mukhriz-Jazlie booked their spot in the final with a 23-21,21-12 victory over Malik Sabrin-Rasid Nasir while in the other semi-final, Faiz-Rahmat defeated Mohd Fadil B. Lahedi-Mohd Ismail Margone 21-14, 21-12.
Two other events for the new talents category were also held in the three-day competition organised by PGRS Tanjung Batu division and managed by Kalabakan District Badminton Association (KDBA).
In the men’s doubles, Samsuddin Sudirman-Shane Yusof emerged champions after defeating Rafiq Rosie-Yusuf Ali 21-16, 21-16 in the final.
They received RM1,000 prize while RM500 went to the runners-up and in joint third place to receive the RM200 cash prize each were Armin B. D. Muhammad-Hasarjhan (jr) and Glenny-Hazin Baqir Sabranalso.
The women’s doubles title was won by Iswara Kamring-Zaidatul Zanariah Zainuddin with a 21-19, 21-19 victory over Arabella Yulius-Eramaya Yulius.
The champions received RM500 and RM300 went to the losing finalists while in joint third place to take home RM150 each were Hasmaih Herman-Marlina Saing and Suriani Ahmad-Yong Dahlan.
KDBA secretary Hasniah A.M Nawir said there were more than 300 participants and exhibition matches by seven national players were held before the start of the tournament.
The opening ceremony was officiated by the Chief Minister’s political secretary Datuk Abdul Kassim Haji Razali, and closed by PGRS Tanjung Batu division deputy chief Datuk Hj Abdul Muis Picho.
Hasniah also praised highly regarded referee Datuk Anthony Liaggian for his sacrifices to be the tournament referee during the Chinese New Year period.
Meanwhile, Muis in his speech thanked KBDA and all those involved in the success of the tournament and hoped it will uncover more talents.
He also wished to see more sporting activities organised by the division with continued support from the public.
